Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT

Senior Buyer

The closing date is 04 September 2025

Job summary

To ensure that the Trust's non-pay expenditure is used effectively by providing value for money in accordance with the Trust Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders, and legislative requirements.

Engage with the Trust's directorates and departments to deliver savings against the Trust's challenging Cost Improvement Programme. Whilst actively supporting and advising Trust members of the procurement process, ensuring all procurement processes follow best practice.

Lead on specific/allocated projects under the direction of the Head of procurement manager delivering against agreed timescales and outcomes for the Trust. This will include sourcing and procuring goods, equipment, materials, and services, which meet customer requirements by demonstrating value for money and promoting an integrated approach to procurement.

Identifying cash releasing and cost avoidance measures, add value through the contracting process ensuring the ongoing performance/monitoring of contracts and suppliers.

Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, UK law, Trust Standing Financial Instructions and NHS procurement guidance.

Obtain the maximum benefits from the Trust's expenditure on goods and services, seeking best value, reliability, responsiveness and innovation from the suppliers.

Main duties of the job

To support the Procurement Teamwork plan by taking the lead in the delivery of allocated procurement projects for a range of goods and services across the Trust.

Lead on Greater Manchester ICS collaborative procurement projects as specified by the HOP.

When necessary, develop and implement service improvements to bring the procurement process in line with the latest guidance for example the procurement act 2023.

Carry out Procurement exercises for a range of contracts establishing robust evaluation method through the Trust electronic tender solution. Carrying out the comparison and assessing the bids whilst following a clear and transparent approach.

Conduct all administration for RFQ/Tenders/Mini Competitions, including de-briefing unsuccessful suppliers whilst providing full details on the evaluation.

Conduct supplier negotiations, advise user groups, monitor supplier's performance.

Determine most advantageous purchasing routes for the Trust to follow providing information on UK purchasing legislation and the Trust's Standing financial instructions.

The post holder will be required to maintain constructive relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. E.g. clinical teams/directorates.

Participate in relevant internal and external working groups/projects.

About us

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford,Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

Details

Date posted

21 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

437-7353362-A

Job locations

Prestwich Hospital

Harrop House Bury New Rd

Prestwich Manchester

M25 3BL


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description and person specification for full outline of roles and responsibilities. Please ensure you meet all the essential criteria as your application will be shortlisted against this.

Staff benefits

  • Pay Enhancements 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
  • 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
  • Excellent pension
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Salary sacrifice car scheme
  • Wellbeing programme
  • Blue Light Card Discounts

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description and person specification for full outline of roles and responsibilities. Please ensure you meet all the essential criteria as your application will be shortlisted against this.

Staff benefits

  • Pay Enhancements 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
  • 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
  • Excellent pension
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Salary sacrifice car scheme
  • Wellbeing programme
  • Blue Light Card Discounts

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of procurement processes including undertaking competitive exercises
  • Experience of working with a range of stakeholders at all levels from different organisations
  • Experience co-ordinating the production of documentation required for the procurement process in liaison with other parties
  • Relationship Management: Extensive experience in developing/building effective working relationships with proven ability to manage conflict resolution; engage
  • Teamwork: Extensive experience supporting and being a team member

Desirable

  • Experience of managing complex projects
  • Experience in negotiating with other parties.
  • Experience being responsible for procurement information systems
  • Demonstrable success in managing change projects involving stakeholders
  • Experience of developing and delivering training.
  • Experience of service redesign, preferably within NHS

Knowledge

Essential

  • The post holder should: Knowledge of Procurement and be able to demonstrate the latest knowledge of Procurement Legislation
  • Understanding of the current issues impacting on the NHS in particular knowledge and understanding of the commercial health care landscape
  • Advanced IT skills and advanced working knowledge and computer proficiency of all Microsoft Office packages (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail and internet

Desirable

  • Knowledge of Central Commercial function initiatives.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Data analysis and interpretation skills involving highly complex data, with outstanding problem solving skills
  • Interpersonal skills to communicate highly complex information succinctly and in difficult environments and highly sensitive issues in an organised and appropriate manner both verbally and in writing at all levels: Ability to write clear reports appropriate for different audiences
  • Problem solving and forward thinking. With an innovative and creative approach to problem solving; being assertive and influencing in negotiation
  • Confident, strategic thinker. Being forward looking, having a flexible and adaptable approach, maintaining a positive attitude and being solution focussed to deliver timely standards of work under challenging deadlines, conflicting demands and pressures
  • Excellent level of planning and organisational skills with a strong work ethic and being able to solve complex challenges. Well-developed concentration skills and ability to prioritise/remain focused when workload is heavy and/or unpredictable;

Desirable

  • The ability to effectively lead, manage, and develop junior procurement professionals.

Education / Qualifications

Essential

  • Evidence of continuing professional development through attendance of relevant courses.

Desirable

  • Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchase and Supply, MCIPS accredited or actively working towards it
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of procurement processes including undertaking competitive exercises
  • Experience of working with a range of stakeholders at all levels from different organisations
  • Experience co-ordinating the production of documentation required for the procurement process in liaison with other parties
  • Relationship Management: Extensive experience in developing/building effective working relationships with proven ability to manage conflict resolution; engage
  • Teamwork: Extensive experience supporting and being a team member

Desirable

  • Experience of managing complex projects
  • Experience in negotiating with other parties.
  • Experience being responsible for procurement information systems
  • Demonstrable success in managing change projects involving stakeholders
  • Experience of developing and delivering training.
  • Experience of service redesign, preferably within NHS

Knowledge

Essential

  • The post holder should: Knowledge of Procurement and be able to demonstrate the latest knowledge of Procurement Legislation
  • Understanding of the current issues impacting on the NHS in particular knowledge and understanding of the commercial health care landscape
  • Advanced IT skills and advanced working knowledge and computer proficiency of all Microsoft Office packages (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail and internet

Desirable

  • Knowledge of Central Commercial function initiatives.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Data analysis and interpretation skills involving highly complex data, with outstanding problem solving skills
  • Interpersonal skills to communicate highly complex information succinctly and in difficult environments and highly sensitive issues in an organised and appropriate manner both verbally and in writing at all levels: Ability to write clear reports appropriate for different audiences
  • Problem solving and forward thinking. With an innovative and creative approach to problem solving; being assertive and influencing in negotiation
  • Confident, strategic thinker. Being forward looking, having a flexible and adaptable approach, maintaining a positive attitude and being solution focussed to deliver timely standards of work under challenging deadlines, conflicting demands and pressures
  • Excellent level of planning and organisational skills with a strong work ethic and being able to solve complex challenges. Well-developed concentration skills and ability to prioritise/remain focused when workload is heavy and/or unpredictable;

Desirable

  • The ability to effectively lead, manage, and develop junior procurement professionals.

Education / Qualifications

Essential

  • Evidence of continuing professional development through attendance of relevant courses.

Desirable

  • Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchase and Supply, MCIPS accredited or actively working towards it

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT

Address

Prestwich Hospital

Harrop House Bury New Rd

Prestwich Manchester

M25 3BL


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT

Address

Prestwich Hospital

Harrop House Bury New Rd

Prestwich Manchester

M25 3BL


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of Procurement

Maureen Gallacher

Maureen.gallacher@gmmh.nhs.uk

01619384516

Details

Date posted

21 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

437-7353362-A

Job locations

Prestwich Hospital

Harrop House Bury New Rd

Prestwich Manchester

M25 3BL


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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