Buyer

Posted 1 hour 7 minutes ago by The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust

Permanent
Full Time
Public Sector Jobs
West Midlands, Dudley, United Kingdom, DY1 1
Job Description
Main area Procurement Grade NHS AfC: Band 3 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday) At The Dudley Group, we understand the benefits of offering a range of flexible working options from day one of employment to support both employees and the Trust. Offering flexible working opportunities is one of the ways that the Trust aims to attract and retain a diverse workforce. Further information on the options available can be found via the link in the job advert.) Job ref -

Site RHH Town Dudley Salary £25,760 - £27,476 Pro Rata Per Annum Salary period Yearly Closing 18/11/:59 Interview date 02/12/2026

Job overview The successful applicant will work as part of the busy operational purchasing team and will be required to be involved in the day to day purchasing and supply needs of the Trust, ensuring that critical supplies of medical and related goods are purchased in a timely manner and to the rigorous standards of the NHS. This is a crucial role and one which requires the successful candidate to have a determined approach to their work, balancing cost and quality issues with an overriding aim of guaranteeing that the needs of wards and departments are always delivered on time, to maintain patient care. The Procurement Department also takes a leading role in identifying and reporting on cost improvements and the activity of the Buyer is central to this process.

Main duties of the job The role includes the purchase of goods and services on behalf of the Trust and at all times endeavour to achieve best value in accordance with the Procurement Department's agreed procurement procedures and policies and the Trusts Procurement Strategy. In carrying out these tasks a buyer must use a number of computer applications, act on their own initiative, be flexible in approach to their duties and advise all users on the optimum supply route for their requirements.

Working for our organisation At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do and that is to provide a world class service that aligns with our vision of "excellent health care, improved health for all". We are seeking to recruit staff who share our vision and values of making Dudley Group an incredible workplace.

As part of the NHS People Promise, your wellbeing is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring our employees achieve a healthy work-life balance supported by our flexible working options and by making reasonable adjustments where possible. We believe no-one should have to sacrifice family, friends, or their personal interests for work. We are a modern employer able to attract and retain high quality staff through our commitment to the NHS People Promise.

As an employer, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. We want to ensure that our workforce is representative of the population we serve. More information - inclusive practice people promise.

Dudley Group offer many opportunities for our staff to develop and grow within their roles through our Learning & OD Team. These include topics such as communication, wellbeing, team development, cultural competency, and values.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.

Qualifications & Education
  • GCSE English C or above or equivalent
  • GCSE Maths C or above or equivalent
  • European Computer Driving Licence or equivalent
  • Possess or be studying for the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Diploma in Procurement and Supply or relevant NVQ or equivalent business qualification
  • College educated
Knowledge and Training
  • Be numerate and have a good general level of education
  • An ability to follow procedures and manuals
  • Able to fulfil the requirements of the role
  • Be familiar with spreadsheet and word processing software i.e., Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word or equivalent
  • Knowledge of the CIPS Professional Code of Ethics
  • Familiar with Microsoft Access or equivalent
Experience
  • Have experience of working in a busy procurement / supply / finance office
  • Significant Healthcare purchasing experience
  • Worked with purchase order systems and be familiar with e-commerce processes
  • Customer Service experience
Communication & Relationship Skills
  • Motivated to work in a non-profit making organisation
  • Good Verbal communication skills and ability to explain things to other members of the team and customers
  • Interested in the NHS
  • Shows commitment and looks to extend his/her role/experiences
  • Ability to be courteous and responsive
  • Be pro-active in helping others within and outside the department
  • Neat appearance, punctual and can keep to deadlines
Analytical & Judgement Skills
  • Good verbal and written communication skills, familiar with email/internet
  • Accuracy in work produced
  • Possess good negotiation skills and shows an ability to be diplomatic
Planning & Organisational Skills
  • Aptitude for self-motivation and showing initiative
  • Flexible approach to work
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Likes to work in the NHS, help to improve patient care
  • Enjoys the challenge of new tasks
Physical Skills
  • Ability to handle goods / packaging for return
  • Ability to manoeuvre delivery cages or similar
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Trust Values
  • Able to provide safe, caring, and effective services
  • Values and behaviours that reflect the Trust values of Care, Respect and Responsibility
  • Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and where people feel they belong and their contribution is valued
Using AI for jobs applications:

Whilst we encourage the use of technology to help manage time and support innovation. However, it is your responsibility to ensure your application is personalised and clearly reflects your own skills and experiences. While AI can assist with drafting, it should only be used as a support tool. The content must be your own work and accurately represent your knowledge, abilities, and values. Over-reliance on AI-generated content may result in your application being rejected. A common issue arises when we receive multiple applications with identical or overly generic language.

The use of AI during assessments, including interviews, is not permitted unless it has been pre-approved as part of a reasonable adjustment. For digital interviews, you may be asked to provide a 360-degree view of your surroundings on camera and confirm that no additional devices are present. If we suspect AI is being used during an interview, we may pause the process to clarify or adjust our approach to questioning.

Caring for patients demands integrity, honesty, and accountability. We expect your application and participation to be authentic and a genuine reflection of your own experiences and values.

In line with UK Home Office rules, Band 2 clinical and non clinical roles, and Band 3 non clinical roles, are not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Non clinical roles at Agenda for Change Bands 7-9 that meet the required skill level (RQF 6) and salary threshold are eligible for sponsorship.

The Trust will also accept applications from candidates who can evidence their existing right to work in the UK or who hold an alternative eligible visa.

RECRUITMENT EQUALITY STATEMENT

We are committed to equal opportunities and want to ensure our workforce is representative of the population we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and diverse groups. It is essential we understand our demographics, in order that we can monitor our performance as an equal opportunity employer, as well as continuing to embed a culture of inclusivity across the organisation, which supports the active participation and contribution of our diverse staff groups in the Trusts decision making processes . On application the shortlisting manager will not see this criterion and therefore it cannot be part of their decision making. Please ensure you complete your equal opportunities questions for us and help us to make sure everyone is welcome.

We are governed by the public sector equality duties and by our values of Care, Respect and Responsibility to ensure we eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other behaviour that is unlawful, undermines our core values and/or falls short of our Behaviour Framework. We want all of our staff to 'call out' any behaviour from colleagues, patients or visitors that constitutes the above and appropriate action be taken.

We will, at every opportunity, advance equality and inclusivity for all staff, at all levels within the organisation, by removing or minimising disadvantage, encouraging participation and taking all relevant steps to meet the needs of anyone who shares a protected characteristic. We will also foster good relations between persons who share a protected characteristic by tackling prejudice and promoting understanding at every opportunity.

We have staff Networks in place to help support staff experience of diverse staff groups and inform us on the actions, interventions and support what we need to put in place to improve the working lives and daily experiences of all colleagues and all teams . click apply for full job details