Procurement Specialist

Job Overview

Wessex NHS Procurement Limited is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for a detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

We currently have a vacancy for a Procurement Specialist within our Facilities Management category. The successful candidate will be working at the heart of FM, helping to shape and deliver contracts that keep our hospitals running smoothly every day. From catering and retail services to security, portering, and innovative sustainability projects, this role would give you the chance to make a real difference to the patient and staff experience across both Trusts.

You’d work closely with myself, and the wider team, taking ownership of your own projects as well as supporting others. No two days would be the same, you might be leading a tender for a multi-million-pound catering contract one week and developing a greener, more sustainable waste solution the next.

Building strong relationships with stakeholders would be key to your success, alongside the ability to manage projects from start to finish. If you enjoy problem-solving, collaborating with a wide range of people, and seeing the impact of your work daily, this role could be for you.

A good understanding of tendering, contract management and e-procurement is desirable, but just as important is your drive to deliver, your ability to think strategically, and your confidence in working with others to get the best outcomes.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.

Person specification

Qualifications / Training Required

Essential criteria

• Postgraduate Diploma in Purchasing & Supply or able to demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge, skills and experience
• Expertise in Contract Management and EU Procurement obtained through further formal training and significant experience
• Knowledge of professional purchasing principles
• Evidence of continuous professional development
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Project Management experience or equivalent qualification
• Experience of working within the public sector and working knowledge of regulations
• Membership of CIPS
  
  

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Significant experience of negotiating with suppliers and customers in a large organisation and a track record of achieving significant cost reductions
• Demonstrable experience of competitive tenders/quotations.
• Significant experience of negotiating contracts, with adding value activities
• Evidence to demonstrate new and innovative methods of achieving savings
• Experience and training in contract management Application
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Good knowledge of systems and quality control processes
  
  

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Sound knowledge of procurement law and contract management to be able to provide specialist advice
• Experience of complex competitive tenders/quotations
• Experience and training in contract management
  
  

Aptitudes And Skills Required

Essential criteria

• Competent with word, excel and purchasing and inventory software
• Good knowledge of systems and quality control processes
  
  

Values and behaviours

Essential criteria

• Agile
• Supportive
• Trusted
• Engaged
• Responsive