NHS Procurement Graduate Training Scheme

The role of the Graduate Procurement Trainee will be to assist the procurement team at the employing organisation. The aim is for you to observe and learn the process of procurement and the various practices and procedures that are in place. NHS procurement covers a broad range of areas from Buying and Supply Chain Management, to Contract and Relationship Management. Depending on the role of the organisation, this may also include national contracting and providing strategic direction. The work is varied, rewarding and challenging. As part of the procurement team, you will provide assistance to all levels of procurement professionals within the team and you will be experiencing various departments on a rotation basis.

The role of the procurement team varies depending on the nature of the NHS organisation. Procurement teams within central organisations will conduct slightly different tasks to those in an Acute Trust, Mental Health Trust, Community Trust or Integrated Care Board (ICB). However, many of the basic principles, such as working with category teams, dealing with supply chain management, dealing with items such as PPE, ward and medical supplies and uniforms for staff will be consistent across many of the roles. You may also learn about Scan for Safety and inventory management.

Time will be spent with the procurement managers or category managers, identifying and sourcing appropriate supplies and goods, providing cost effective solutions for the organisation. You will regularly liaise with suppliers and supply chain teams to ensure value for money and the best service possible is being delivered.

As a graduate on the procurement scheme you will complete a Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship, resulting in a level 4 CIPS qualification. This will take the full 2-years and you will be expected to attend training and undertake learning during your own time. A CIPS qualification will ensure you have the knowledge and skills desired to progress within procurement.

As part of the scheme, you will have support from line managers and colleagues, however you will also gain support from a mentor, who will help and guide you, offering advice and support where possible.

We are looking for an efficient and capable graduate to provide support to the procurement teams, working in a reactive environment, which follows set guidelines. You will assist team members in areas needing support during this incredibly busy and demanding time.

Key Working Relationships

• The post holder will work closely with the procurement colleagues such as buyers, category managers and materials management teams, depending on the nature of the organisation. The post holder will be expected to communicate on a regular basis with the line manager and head of department.
• The post holder will be expected to attend meetings with stakeholders, both clinical and non-clinical such as surgeons, theatre managers, finance managers and IT project managers.
• The post holder will be expected to liaise with suppliers regarding the sourcing of goods and services, and contract management.
• Communication and some travel may be expected between various sites.
• Due to the nature of the role the successful graduate will be required to liaise with suppliers and stakeholders and other individuals from areas of the business at all levels from Director level down.

Duties & Responsibilities

You will be expected to

• Spend time understanding the role of procurement and the various teams involved in ensuring the organisation provides the strategic direction, products and services needed.
• Work with and learn from the buyers and category managers, understanding the tender process through to evaluation and completion.
• Be involved in a number of tender processes.
• Work with and learn from the buying team, working closely to understand trust processes.
• Work with and learn from the logistics team, working closely with medical consumables and understanding storage and distribution of goods.
• Support in the development and updating of activity logs, trackers and reports where appropriate to ensure systems are up to date.
• Help to maintain stakeholder and supplier engagement.
• Undertake specific projects if and when required to assist in the development of the procurement service.
• Undertake general administrative tasks to support the teams.
• Overall, offer support in the delivery of a professional and robust procurement service.
• Commit to completing the CIPS qualification.