Job vacancy: Commercial Procurement & Customer Service Assistant, Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chester

Job summary

Main area: Procurement
Grade: Band 3
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 210-2025-709-A

Employer: Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Countess of Chester Hospital
Town: Chester
Salary: £24,937 - £26,598 pa
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 03/12/2025 23:59
Interview date: 16/12/2025

Commercial Procurement & Customer Service Assistant

Band 3

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, staff pride themselves on not only leading through clinical excellence, but also by creating an environment where all staff are valued and appreciated. To achieve this, the Trust has embarked on an exciting new strategy focused on continuous improvement.
Our vision is to improve the lives of our community and provide excellence in healthcare, through partnership and innovation
Our High Performance Culture will support everyone to be the best version of themselves by being true to our Trust vision, values and behaviours.
We welcome applications from colleagues from our local and neighbouring communities of all backgrounds and identities, who are currently under-represented within our region such as Black, Asian, Minority ethnic and those with disabilities.
As a region we are reviewing the way we work, and exploring how new working practices that support flexible working can create a positive work-life balance. As part of our recruitment process we will explore how our inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, Trust facilities and services can be of mutual benefit.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See Job Description for further details.

Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person specification) and values.

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs will be deducted from their salary over the first three months of employment.

You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.

New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.

Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.

Good luck with your application.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

NVQ Level 3 in Supply Chain or Procurement or the equivalent buying experience.
Basic understanding / knowledge of procurement / tendering and Contract Law through short courses and experience or equivalent.

Desirable criteria

A minimum of 1 years purchasing experience

Knowledge & Experience

Essential criteria

Experience in the use of Microsoft Office applications – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Must be able to meet pre-set schedules and deadlines, and deal with queries efficiently whilst working in a methodical manner, paying particular attention to accuracy
Ability to work on own initiative and be an effective team member
To respond to unexpected changes and adopt a flexible attitude

Desirable criteria

Experience in a large commercial organisation
Experience of providing a high level of customer service in an NHS (or equivalent) Environment.
Evidence of ongoing development

Skills & Abilities

Essential criteria

Customer Service: Ability to develop relationships, influence and motivate a range of stakeholders to deliver continuous improvement in services whilst achieving professional and personal credibility
Communication: Good interpersonal skills to communicate information succinctly in an appropriate manner both verbally and in writing at all levels
Initiative & Problem Solving: Ability to problem solve and use own initiative
Teamwork: Ability to work well as a team

Desirable criteria

Able to influence others using persuasion and interpersonal skills
Computer skills to include spread sheets
Ability to complete tasks according to objectives and on time
Flexible approach
Eagerness to embrace change
Ability to explain/introduce purchasing policies, and processes to others

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
If the role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Enhanced DBS check applications that are submitted with omitted or incorrect information will be withdrawn. In the event errors are identified on your original application, a new application will need to be submitted and you will be required to pay the DBS application fee again.

The cost of the DBS application will be deducted from your salary over the first three months of employment.

Overseas Candidates

The Department of Health and Social Care has released a new publication to support overseas candidates looking to work in health and care in the UK.
The new guidance provides information on the recruitment process that candidates should expect when applying for work in the UK. Please follow the below link:
Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Overseas candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a CoS for the post by assessing their circumstances against criteria specified on the Visas and immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Overseas candidates are responsible for their travel expenses.

From 6 April 2017, Tier 2 / skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, must 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 dependent's (over 18 years old) will also be subject to this requirement.