Do you want to implement change and make a difference within the NHS?

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is looking for an Assistant Purchasing Manager to join their Non-Clinical Procurement and Contracting team. You should be confident in communication with colleagues across the Trust, analytical in approach, and comfortable dealing with suppliers of all sizes. Experience in Public Sector Procurement is required.

Full NHS benefits include 27 days leave plus bank holidays, an excellent pension scheme, staff discounts, and health & wellbeing support.

Supplies and Procurement are based in offices within a warehouse near St James University Hospital in Leeds. The team works a flexible hybrid model, including consistent days in the office. This is a full-time position, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week.

Main duties of the job

Under the direction of the Head of Contracts Non-Clinical, you will be responsible for tendering a wide range of high-value, complex goods and services, from tendering to contract award, in accordance with Trust policies and relevant regulations.

You will work with stakeholders across the Trust to ensure specifications, tenders, and contracts meet needs and hold regular strategic meetings with suppliers. Liaising at senior levels within the Trust and with suppliers is essential.

You will negotiate contracts to provide value for money, identify new suppliers to ensure technological advancement while maintaining cost-effectiveness, and ensure savings and efficiency gains are reported.

About us

The Supplies & Procurement department comprises nearly 150 staff, including teams in Supply Chain Management, Materials Management, Contracting, e-Procurement, Receipt & Distribution, and Logistics. We are committed to inclusivity and employee wellbeing, offering various support programs and fostering a neuro-inclusive environment.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is dedicated to redeploying at-risk staff to new roles, and all job adverts are subject to this policy. Please be patient if there are delays in the recruitment process.

Job responsibilities

You will ensure that procurement activities, managed via the Oracle system, are conducted efficiently and in line with best practices, supporting the Trust's £100M procurement budget. You will negotiate complex, high-value contracts, analyze procurement data, and identify opportunities for savings.

You will work with user departments to interpret their needs into commercial agreements and contribute to the Trust's Cost Improvement Plans, aiming to meet targets exceeding £3 million annually.

Managing a portfolio of strategic suppliers, you will hold regular meetings, liaise with national and regional procurement bodies, and monitor NHS supply contracts to maximize value.

You will support the implementation of procurement policies, develop systems for performance monitoring, and assist in training team members. Collaboration with finance and other departments is key to ensure effective procurement and payment processes.

You will also be involved in research, trials of new products, and standardization efforts, supporting the professional development of the Contracts Officer and ensuring quality standards are maintained.

Person Specification

Experience

• Understanding of tendering, contracting, and contract law
• Experience managing tenders and working with senior managers to meet Trust needs
• Negotiation, influence, and persuasion skills in procurement
• Experience with Atamis or similar e-tender systems, Oracle or similar systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of Non-Clinical goods/services and healthcare market dynamics
• Proven impact of procurement skills on finances or service quality

Qualifications

• Working towards or completed CIPS or relevant experience
• Government Commercial Function TPP Certificate (Procurement Act Training Modules)

Skills and Behaviours

• Ability to work in a team and contribute to objectives
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Willingness to develop new skills and attend training
• Excellent communication skills for engaging with staff at all levels
• Problem-solving abilities in contracting issues
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-focused contracts that support the Trust's savings and values