Assistant Buyer

Overview

Go back South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Assistant Buyer

The closing date is 23 July 2026

37.5 hours per week - 12 months fixed term role

Are you looking for a role where you can see the direct impact of your work? We are seeking a motivated Assistant Buyer to join our vibrant Procurement team for a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role combines day-to-day procurement with involvement in the strategic expansion of our Materials Management Service across the Trust.

Why Join Us?

• Career Growth:
  Gain hands-on experience in project implementation and specialised NHS procurement.
• Meaningful Work:
  Every order you place and every shelf you help organise directly supports frontline patient care.

Ready to dive in? If you are organised, proactive, and ready to help us modernise our logistics, we want to hear from you. Apply today and help us deliver excellence across the NHS.

Note on sponsorship: At the time of advertising this role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor anyone for a skilled worker visa for this role. We are happy to accept applications from candidates who can prove their right to work in the UK or via alternative visa routes.

Such applications will be considered alongside all other applications.

JOB SUMMARY

• Takes a lead role in the materials management order process within the Barnsley Business Delivery Unit at the Kendray hospital site, ensuring orders are placed promptly and stock levels are monitored and maintained in line with demand.
• Ensures materials management stocks are put away in the correct storage bays, stock is rotated, and out-of-date stock is minimised.
• Provides support to the receipt and distribution department, predominantly at Kendray Hospital, as required.
• Assists with procurement of products/services via the Trusts purchase order system; complex issues are referred to the Senior Buyer, Senior Contracts Manager, Contracts Manager or Head of Procurement for guidance.
• Processes requests for goods/services to obtain best value, following Local Work Instructions and sourcing the Market for the best value solution.
• Liaises with customers and suppliers to provide assistance and advice on procurement issues by phone, email, in person, or input to a Business Delivery Unit or Working Group.
• Adheres to Local Work Instructions and relevant NHS, Trust and Legal requirements; follows procurement strategy and keeps up with training from NHS CCS or other public sector providers.

Key Result Areas:

The postholder will:

1.1 Care/service/function provision:

• Take responsibility for aspects of products/services purchased, including the department’s materials management process, liaising with external supplier representatives and customers. Update product and market information for the Trust’s marketplace and procurement department. Continually review products/services to ensure best value.
• Produce reports and spreadsheets, and, when needed, meet and negotiate with representatives of external organisations.
• Understand purchase order systems, ordering, receipting, payment of invoices, and catalog/commodity concepts; observe Purchasing Principles.
• Prepare, obtain and evaluate quotes; inform customers of financial limits and procedures.
• Ensure goods/services are obtained from approved suppliers; where appropriate, source new suppliers and markets.
• Where possible, obtain goods/services from NHS, CCS, or Local contracts; assist with projects to ensure ongoing compliance and best value.
• Assist with investigations into products/markets and prepare reports for managers and budget holders.
• Refer complex queries to the Head of Procurement or Senior/Contracts Manager as needed.
• Provide data for NHS KPI reporting and support procurement service delivery to managers and customers.
• Maintain knowledge for PO and Accounts Payable systems and keep procurement knowledge up to date.

1.2 Working as part of a Team:

• Deal with customer and supplier queries professionally; refer highly complex problems to the appropriate supervisor.
• Liaise with procurement users by phone, email, or in person; provide…