Job summary

Main area: Buyer
Grade: NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract: Fixed term: 12 months (Fixed)
Hours: Part time - 22.5 hours per week (Flexible Mon - Friday)
Job ref: 842-FIN-6141-25

Employer: Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Walton Hospital
Town: Chesterfield
Salary: £24,937 - £26,598 per annum, pro rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 25/11/2025 23:59

Purchasing Buyer

NHS AfC: Band 3

The Trust is currently under-represented in terms of individuals from BME backgrounds and welcomes applicants from these communities. DCHS is also an LGBT inclusive employer. Selection will be on a basis of merit. The Trust has achieved the status of a Disability Confident Leader and guarantees to invite to assessment applicants who meet the criteria for the job vacancy. To ensure the diversity of the workforce and understand the differing needs of our communities, the Trust is committed to the principles of Positive Action.

Be outstanding – join an outstanding team!

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Strategy and Service Development

· Undertake the purchase of goods and services including call-off supply arrangements in accordance with agreed standards and targets

· Place orders in such a manner as to ensure proper delivery receipting and payment

· Deal with queries and requests for information to provide a full and extensive response/resolution

· Be aware of and ensure adherence to trust purchasing policies and external regulatory requirements as appropriate to the product area covered

· Build and maintain sound customer and supplier relationships

· Develop and maintain a sound knowledge of delegated product areas

· Expedite orders on behalf of customers in accordance with agreed protocols

· Develop and maintain a sound working knowledge of regulatory and legal issues commensurate with the job role

· Undertake official quotations for low value contracts and orders in accordance with SFIs where appropriate

· Provide advice and guidance to customers on all procurement related issues

· Adhere to the Trust’s Procurement Strategy and Policy and actively participate in the delivery of the Procurement Plan

· Carry out robust and timely supplier and contract management for key purchasing suppliers

· Act on Unit 4 workflow tasks in a timely and responsive manner to resolve issues

· Identify repeat products and following a full value for money exercise, put forward for consideration as a catalogue product

· Monitor purchasing trends

· Liaise with end-users at all levels to ensure compliance in the use of standardised products and catalogues

· Research and streamline the supplier and product base so the Trust can benefit from greater purchasing leverage

· To attend any relevant training as requested

· To act as an ambassador for the Procurement team and promote benefits to customers

· Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post

Person specification

Education, Qualifications and Training

Essential criteria

• GCSE Grade C English and Mathematics or equivalent
• Willingness to undertake further appropriate study

Desirable criteria

• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply’s Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations

Experience and Knowledge Required

Essential criteria

Purchasing/contracting experience.
Experience of a fully integrated P2P system and use of the Internet.
Confidence to liaise and discuss with end users their choice of product and specification to secure best value for money including a challenge on essential spend
Are you currently employed by JUCD employer

Desirable criteria

• Previous NHS experience

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust (DCHS) is one of the largest providers of specialist community healthcare in England and we currently employ around 4,500 staff. We deliver a variety of services across Derbyshire, caring for nearly 1.8 million patients each year.

We deliver patient care through 11 community hospitals, 4 minor injury units, 29 health centres and a learning disability centre. Another key part of our service is out in the community where we care for people in their own homes via therapists, health visitors and district nurses, and promoting public health in the wider community. As a Trust we care for patients of all ages with a special focus on the needs of elderly people and the very young.

DCHS has been recognised as a top 10 NHS organisation to work for in the UK by the Health Service Journal and NHS Employers in their Best Places to Work 2015 campaign. The Trust is also the runner-up in the category for the best NHS community trust employer.

TWITTER/FACEBOOK - DCHS has its own Social Media accounts for recruitment. Follow us/like us via @dchsjobs

Our vision “to be the best provider of local healthcare and to be a great place to work”

Our values:

1) To get the basics right
2) To act with compassion and respect
3) To make a difference
4) To value and develop teamwork
5) To value everyone’s contribution because everyone matters

The majority of our locations offer free parking facilities for staff.

We will communicate with you regarding your application via email so please check your email account on a regular basis. If using hotmail, MSN or yahoo email accounts please check your 'junk/spam' mail regularly.

If you require any support in completing the application form please do not hesitate to contact the Recruitment Team, 01332 564856, option 1, option 1 or [email protected] and we will be happy to provide assistance.

Please note - if we receive a high number of applications for this position we reserve the right to withdraw the post before the closing date, therefore it is advisable that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for our service and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that's job share, part time or another flexible pattern.