Job summary
The Procurement Manager will play a key leadership role in the delivery of a GMP-compliant NHS manufacturing facility at the Northumbria Healthcare Medicines Manufacturing Centre (MMC).
This role is responsible for the end-to-end procurement function, including sourcing, supplier qualification, contract management, and customer service activities to ensure the timely, compliant, and cost-effective acquisition of materials and services.
The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team and act as the main point of contact for procurement across the regional Provider Collaborative, supporting the MMC's manufacturing licence, wholesale authorisation, and regulatory readiness.
The postholder will drive the development of scalable procurement systems that safeguard the NHS supply chain for unlicensed medicines, contributing directly to patient safety and service continuity.
Main duties of the job
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Lead the procurement, administration, and customer service teams to deliver compliant, value-driven supply solutions for the MMC.
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Manage supplier onboarding, Bonafide checks, and contract compliance in accordance with GMP, GDP, and NHS procurement frameworks.
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Oversee procurement of raw materials, packaging, consumables, and contracted services in support of licensed and unlicensed manufacturing.
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Act as the primary procurement liaison between the MMC and NHS "spoke" hospitals across the North East and North Cumbria.
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Support MHRA inspections and internal audits by ensuring procurement documentation and supplier records meet regulatory expectations.
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Deliver continuous improvement in procurement performance through data analysis, supplier engagement, and team development.
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Manage procurement budgets, authorise spend within agreed thresholds, and identify opportunities for cost improvement or risk mitigation.
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Contribute to the MMC's strategic goals by developing future-proof procurement systems and participating in collaborative NHS procurement initiatives.
About us
The MMC is in its final design stages, with facility construction planned through to September 2025. Initially, staff will be employed by Northumbria Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust, with employment transferring to the Medicines Manufacturing Centre Legal Liability Partnership (LLP) upon its formation under TUPE regulations.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a brand-new NHS manufacturing facility, helping to shape its future from day one. If you're passionate about leadership, operational excellence, and making a real impact on patient care, we'd love to hear from you.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Procurement Manager will lead the development and implementation of procurement systems, supplier governance processes, and service infrastructure to support the Medicines Manufacturing Centre (MMC). This includes overseeing supplier qualification activities such as Bonafide checks, compliance documentation, and ongoing performance reviews to ensure alignment with GMP and GDP principles.
The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional departments such as Quality, Production, Finance, R&D, and Warehouse to ensure procurement strategies are fully integrated into operational planning. The postholder will represent the MMC in external forums including NHS procurement networks and the Commercial Medicines Unit, contributing to the implementation of regional frameworks and shared sourcing models.
A key aspect of the role is team development, ensuring all procurement, admin, and customer service staff are trained, competent, and aligned to the MMCs quality system. The manager will oversee SOP development, contribute to audit readiness, and lead on supply chain risk management, including contingency planning and deviation handling.
The Procurement Manager is also expected to:
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Lead internal and external procurement audits, inspections, and investigations
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Develop performance dashboards and KPIs for procurement, stockholding, and supplier delivery metrics
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Manage digital procurement systems (e.g., PowerGate, Unit 4), ensuring data accuracy and staff proficiency
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Collaborate with IT and Finance to automate workflows, improve reporting, and enhance traceability
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Contribute to long-term commercial planning, stock forecasting, and infrastructure scaling for the MMCs Manufacturers Specials Licence and Wholesale Dealers Authorisation
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Promote a culture of learning, improvement, and collaboration both within the MMC and across the wider Provider Collaborative
This post requires a high level of autonomy, decision-making, and leadership capability to maintain a compliant and resilient procurement function that underpins the safe manufacture and delivery of patient-critical medicines.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Procurement Manager will lead the development and implementation of procurement systems, supplier governance processes, and service infrastructure to support the Medicines Manufacturing Centre (MMC). This includes overseeing supplier qualification activities such as Bonafide checks, compliance documentation, and ongoing performance reviews to ensure alignment with GMP and GDP principles.
The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional departments such as Quality, Production, Finance, R&D, and Warehouse to ensure procurement strategies are fully integrated into operational planning. The postholder will represent the MMC in external forums including NHS procurement networks and the Commercial Medicines Unit, contributing to the implementation of regional frameworks and shared sourcing models.
A key aspect of the role is team development, ensuring all procurement, admin, and customer service staff are trained, competent, and aligned to the MMCs quality system. The manager will oversee SOP development, contribute to audit readiness, and lead on supply chain risk management, including contingency planning and deviation handling.
The Procurement Manager is also expected to:
-
Lead internal and external procurement audits, inspections, and investigations
-
Develop performance dashboards and KPIs for procurement, stockholding, and supplier delivery metrics
-
Manage digital procurement systems (e.g., PowerGate, Unit 4), ensuring data accuracy and staff proficiency
-
Collaborate with IT and Finance to automate workflows, improve reporting, and enhance traceability
-
Contribute to long-term commercial planning, stock forecasting, and infrastructure scaling for the MMCs Manufacturers Specials Licence and Wholesale Dealers Authorisation
-
Promote a culture of learning, improvement, and collaboration both within the MMC and across the wider Provider Collaborative
This post requires a high level of autonomy, decision-making, and leadership capability to maintain a compliant and resilient procurement function that underpins the safe manufacture and delivery of patient-critical medicines.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in relevant discipline or equivalent experience in procurement or supply chain management within the NHS, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or another regulated industry
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
- Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Level 5 or higher (or working towards)
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in supply chain, healthcare management, or public procurement
Experience
Essential
- Experience managing or supervising teams, including recruitment, appraisals, and performance development.
- Significant experience managing procurement or supply chain functions within the NHS, pharmaceutical, or other regulated sectors.
- Experience conducting supplier onboarding, Bonafide checks, contract negotiation, and ongoing supplier performance management.
Desirable
- Experience implementing procurement systems or digital platforms (e.g., PowerGate, Unit 4, EPIC).
- Experience working in or alongside a GMP/GDP-compliant environment.
- Involvement in inspections or audits (e.g., MHRA, NHS internal audit) relating to supply chain or materials traceability.
- Experience in procurement related to aseptic or high-cost medicines (e.g., oncology)
- Experience working within a pharmaceutical or aseptic production facility.
- Experience of setting up new procurement or customer service functions from scratch.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in relevant discipline or equivalent experience in procurement or supply chain management within the NHS, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or another regulated industry
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
- Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Level 5 or higher (or working towards)
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in supply chain, healthcare management, or public procurement
Experience
Essential
- Experience managing or supervising teams, including recruitment, appraisals, and performance development.
- Significant experience managing procurement or supply chain functions within the NHS, pharmaceutical, or other regulated sectors.
- Experience conducting supplier onboarding, Bonafide checks, contract negotiation, and ongoing supplier performance management.
Desirable
- Experience implementing procurement systems or digital platforms (e.g., PowerGate, Unit 4, EPIC).
- Experience working in or alongside a GMP/GDP-compliant environment.
- Involvement in inspections or audits (e.g., MHRA, NHS internal audit) relating to supply chain or materials traceability.
- Experience in procurement related to aseptic or high-cost medicines (e.g., oncology)
- Experience working within a pharmaceutical or aseptic production facility.
- Experience of setting up new procurement or customer service functions from scratch.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
