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Job overview

This is a 12-month secondment to join a busy procurement team who are focused on delivering a wide range of contracts which will help the Trust provide high quality healthcare.  

The Senior Buyer will run tenders from start to finish and support in a contract management capacity. 

The candidate should have an understanding of public procurement processes, Microsoft Office applications and use of e-sourcing systems. 

The base for the job is the Trust Headquarters in Bracknell but remote working is allowed. 

Main duties of the job

1. To undertake tenders on behalf of the Trust that are in line with Public Procurement legislation and Trust policy. Contracts will include areas which impact directly on patients.  

The tender process will include: 

• Working with clients to produce work plans and tender schedules 
• Analysing expressions of interest from tenderers 
• Working with clients in producing output driven specifications 
• Producing invitation to tender documents 
• Managing tender queries 
• Analysing tenders, including cost lifetime costing, contractual compliance etc. 
• Pro-active discussions with clients over award recommendations 
• Producing contract documentation 
• Producing reports on tender activity 

2. To select and communicate to suppliers the needs of the Trust and to negotiate with them as appropriate, some of which may involve contentious communications. This includes obtaining better prices or services and resolving disputes, as well as maintaining patient care.

3. To manage a contract portfolio. To including tendering, supplier management, and customer liaison. This is will also include contract information provision and review to enable and support evidence based decision making across the Trust.  

4. Responsible for placing Find a Tender & Contracts Finder Adverts on Atamis and managing the expressions of interest that come back, enabling a tender process to then be initiated.

5. To communicate the procurement strategy and policies to all levels of the organisation (including internal training on procurement procedures as appropriate or required). This is to include persuading clients across all organisations to standardise on a restricted range of products.

Working for our organisation

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’re committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. We value diversity and are proud to be a Stonewall Top 100 Employer. We work hard to create an inclusive environment where you’ll be supported by friendly and professional colleagues to flourish. Our values at Berkshire Healthcare: •           Caring for and about you is our top priority •           Committed to providing good quality, safe services •           Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions We welcome people who share these values to come and work for us. Benefits of working for us include:   Flexible working options to support work-life balance   27 days’ annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell   Generous NHS pension scheme    Excellent learning and career development opportunities    ‘Cycle to Work’ and car leasing scheme    Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services    Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants   Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities and armed forces             community to support equality   Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave   Free parking across Trust sites

Berkshire Healthcare helps people manage their health in their local area, through a range of specialist and community services across the county. We promote independence and quality of life through community and mental health services and aim for seamless delivery of the best care in the right place. We get to know communities and the people in them so we can deliver the best services that meet their health needs.

Our team of 4,300 staff provide specialist mental health and community health services to a population of around 900,000 within Berkshire. We provide healthcare to people in their own homes and from different sites across the county.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where required.

Appointment to any position is conditional on the satisfactory completion of the core NHS Employment Checks Standards. Information disclosed in your application will be checked and any offer of appointment may be withdrawn if you knowingly withhold information or provide false or misleading information.

Please ensure your application is submitted with a valid email address for your referees in order to minimise delays in the recruitment process. Short-listed applicants will be contacted by email, therefore applicants are advised to check their email accounts regularly.

Applicants are advised that as a result of the high level of response we receive for some of our vacancies, we may expire any of them prior to the advertised closing date.

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust is committed to improving the health of its staff, patients and the wider community by providing a smoke free environment. A smoke free policy is in operation and smoking is not permitted on any of the Trust’s sites.

NO AGENCIES TO CONTACT BERKSHIRE HEALTHCARE DIRECTLY PLEASE