An exciting opportunity has arisen for an organised and motivated Assistant Buyer (Band 3) to join the Procurement & Supplies team at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
The postholder will support the delivery of an efficient, compliant and customer-focused procurement service, ensuring that goods and services are sourced and supplied in a timely manner to meet the needs of clinical and non‑clinical departments.
Working as part of a busy procurement team, you will play a key role in processing purchase orders, liaising with suppliers and internal stakeholders, resolving supply issues, and supporting value for money initiatives across the Trust.
This role is ideal for someone looking to develop a career in NHS procurement, with opportunities to gain experience across a wide range of categories and progress within a structured procurement function.
Main duties of the job
The Assistant Buyer will support the delivery of an efficient and compliant procurement service by processing purchase requisitions and raising orders within agreed timescales, ensuring adherence to Trust policies and Standing Financial Instructions. The role involves regular liaison with internal departments and external suppliers to ensure the timely supply of goods and services, resolving delivery issues, invoice queries and discrepancies as they arise.
The postholder will obtain quotations, support sourcing activities, and contribute to value for money initiatives by identifying cost‑saving opportunities and alternative supply options. They will maintain accurate procurement records, utilise NHS Supply Chain systems and other purchasing tools effectively, and provide advice and guidance to Trust staff on procurement processes.
The role also includes supporting the wider Procurement & Supplies team with administrative and operational tasks to ensure a responsive and high‑quality service.
About us
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto‑enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries, staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. On‑site parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust – submit your application today.
Qualifications
- Good standard of education including GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths
- NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or equivalent level of knowledge and practical experience
- Demonstrable commitment to personal development and learning
- Willingness to work towards professional procurement qualifications (e.g. CIPS)
- Evidence of recent or ongoing professional development relevant to administration, procurement or supply chain
Experience
- Experience of working in an administrative or business support role within a busy environment
- Experience of using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) to support day‑to‑day tasks
- Experience of working to deadlines and managing competing priorities
- Experience of dealing with internal customers or external suppliers and resolving queries
- Experience of working in a procurement, purchasing or supply chain environment
- Experience of supporting process improvement or identifying efficiencies
Skills
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks effectively
- Ability to work independently using initiative, while also contributing as part of a team
- Good communication skills, (verbal and written) with the ability to engage confidently with a range of stakeholders
- Ability to work accurately with attention to detail in a fast‑paced environment
- Ability to interpret and follow procedures, policies and guidance
- Knowledge of procurement regulations and compliance requirements
- Awareness of value for money principles and cost improvement
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£25,760 to £27,476 a year per annum, pro rata
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