Senior Buyer

Job summary

Are you looking to develop your procurement career within the NHS, or do you have transferable commercial or purchasing skills and want to move into healthcare procurement?

The Procurement Team at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a motivated and organised Senior Procurement Buyer (Band 5) to join our supportive and forward-thinking team. This role offers the opportunity to gain experience across a diverse range of medical categories, including Medicine and Radiology, while contributing directly to the delivery of high-quality patient care.

The Trust is committed to supporting the development of its staff. The post holder will receive ongoing support and supervision from Category Managers and will be supported to develop their knowledge of NHS procurement regulations, systems, and processes. Access to relevant training and development opportunities will be provided, and staff are encouraged to develop their careers within NHS procurement, including progression opportunities for suitable candidates.

Applicants should be well organised, able to manage competing priorities, and have strong communication skills to work effectively with a range of stakeholders. A basic level of commercial awareness and a good understanding of value for money are essential, along with competent IT skills, including the use of spreadsheets and business systems.

37.5 hours per week

Working pattern: Office 3 days (inc Tuesdays), WFH 2 days

Main duties of the job

The post holder will manage and support end-to-end procurement activities for a defined portfolio of low to medium value goods and services. This will include running quotation exercises, engaging with suppliers, and supporting contract administration to ensure continuity of supply and value for money.

The role will also involve supporting higher value and more complex tenders led by Category Managers, contributing to evaluation activity, documentation, and stakeholder engagement. The post holder will provide advice on procurement processes, policies, and best practice, including Identifying and implementing savings opportunities which will deliver efficiencies to the Trust via cost reduction, cost avoidance, demand management or improvements to quality.

The role will work closely with clinical, operational, and finance colleagues to understand service requirements and ensure procurement activity supports both patient care and operational efficiency. The role includes developing and maintaining effective supplier relationships, resolving issues where possible, and escalating more complex matters appropriately.

Accurate procurement records must be maintained using Trust systems to support reporting, audit, and transparency. The role also requires maintaining an awareness of market developments, NHS initiatives, and commercial trends relevant to the medical category.

About us

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust (TRFT) is a combined acute and community Trust serving our local population of around 270,000 people. Our vision is to always act the right way and be proud to provide exceptional healthcare to the communities of Rotherham

As a Trust we are on a journey to excellence and our people and culture are at the heart of everything we do for patients. In the latest NHS Staff Survey, we are the second most improved Trust in England for would you recommend the Trust as a place to work?, and were one of the most improved for staff engagement overall

But don't just take our word for it each year hundreds of colleagues receive nominations for our Excellence and Proud awards, showcasing our brilliant people and recognising their achievements. Our people make a difference to the lives of patients every day and we are proud of the improvements we are making

All of our colleagues are key to our journey, and we are continuing to improve our services by upholding the Trusts values of Ambitious, Caring and Together. If you are passionate about making a difference, then please apply to join us on our journey to excellence

Certificates of Sponsorship

For individuals who may require sponsorship under the skilled worker or health & care visa route please use the link below to check your eligibility. Check if you need a UK visa - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) band 2 and band 3 roles are no longer eligible for sponsorship.

Employer details

Employer name

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Rotherham Nhs Foundation Trust

Moorgate Road

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S60 2UD

Employer's website

https://www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

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Employer details

Employer name

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Rotherham Nhs Foundation Trust

Moorgate Road

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S60 2UD

Employer's website

https://www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

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