Job overview

 To lead on procurement for a range of goods and services within a defined category, ensuring the distribution of non-pay expenditure within the category is applied in the most cost-effective manner ensuring timely delivery to all wards and departments.  To be regarded and recognised as the category lead for their designated area throughout the wider organisation.

The role includes leading on all strategic procurement with a value of >£50k associated with the defined category, managing procurement exercises in accordance with Trust Standing Financial Instructions and current Public Contracts Regulations and identifying and achieving cost improvements ensuring CIP targets are met or exceeded.

To act as an ambassador for the Procurement Department, influence Trust staff re choice of products (cost and quality) and make sure all queries and complaints are dealt with in a professional and positive manner. Use category knowledge and expertise to persuade and drive positive change within the wider organisation and regional health system.

Please note this vacancy may close earlier than listed if maximum applications have been submitted. 

Main duties of the job

• Take the lead on defined category, be recognised within the Trust as the category authority
•  Work closely with managers and staff in procurement matters and provide sound professional/ technical advice and information in order to achieve continuous improvements. Working with managers and staff informally and through Product Advisory Groups or similar to regularly review products, rationalise usage, minimise costs, and identify and achieve quality and/or cost improvements.
• To represent the Trust regionally and nationally in relation to defined category
• Identify with and help deliver key department goals
• Take an active role in the development and delivery of the annual Procurement work plan by various procurement techniques
•  Support market, supplier and product research to inform best value purchases
• Take responsibility for the purchase of goods by delivering contracts and develop new and innovative methods of evaluating quotation returns to maximise commercial opportunities
• Support activity on contracting/tendering for goods and services including providing management information when required 

Working for our organisation

There’s never been a more exciting time to join TeamQEH.  We’re working on a once in a generation opportunity to build a new state-of-the-art hospital due to open in 2031/32 and we are also carrying out on one of the biggest pieces of digital transformation work we’ve ever undertaken.

Our new electronic patient record (EPR) will replace paper-based patient records from 2026 and will lead to better, safer, joined-up care at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and beyond.

At The QEH we provide a comprehensive range of specialist, acute, obstetrics and community-based services to around 331,000 people across west and north Norfolk, North Cambs and South Lincs.

We are an ambitious organisation that upholds our values of kindness, wellness and fairness. We strive for continuous quality improvement, recently demonstrated in our 2024 CQC maternity inspection rating our services as ‘Good’, and we are proud to be a place to learn and grow through recognised learning and apprenticeships.

We recognise and reward our 4,000 staff and volunteers, priding ourselves on a community atmosphere and positive team spirit.  We have approx. 530 beds across 33 wards and have newly built education and training facilities, a range of modern award-winning centres alongside a talented team of people ready to give you a warm welcome.  We love working here and think you will too.