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University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

About
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
- high-quality care for all,
- being a great place to work,
- partnerships for impact, and
- research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
- we are compassionate,
- we are proud,
- we are inclusive, and
- we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/
Contact
- Address
- University Hospitals of Leicester
- G58/G59 Block A Penn Lloyd Building
- County Hall
- Leicester
- Leicestershire
- LE3 8RA
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Category Assistant
Closed for applications on: 2-Sept-2024 13:17
Vacancy status: Closed
Closed for applications on: 2-Sept-2024 13:17
Key details
Location
- Site
- County Hall
- Town
- Glenfield
- Postcode
- LE3 8TB
- Major / Minor Region
- Leicestershire
Contract type & working pattern
- Contract
- Permanent: Based at County Hall but cross site working required. Agile working policy in place.
- Hours
- Full time
- Flexible working
Salary
- Salary
- £28,407 - £34,581 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Grade
- (NHS AfC: Band 5)
Specialty
- Main area
- Procurement Category Assistant
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- might not be specific or relevant enough to address the criteria in the recruitment profile
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- could misrepresent information about you, such as your qualifications, skills and experience
We monitor applications for any behaviour that could create an unfair advantage, and we check all references carefully. You are likely to be tested on your experience at interview, so be honest and make sure all the information in your application is correct.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity exists for a Category Assistant to work within the Procurement and Supplies Department of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. We are looking for a keen and experienced professional to undertake this key role with responsibility for supporting the Corporate Procurement Team in the provision of a procurement service.
The successful candidate will provide expert advice and support on the outcomes and delivery of Corporate workstreams, delivering key communications across all corporate functions, to assist and support them in developing opportunities to achieve value for money within their budget by procuring in line with Trust SOPs and current legislation.
Candidates should have at least 1 years’ experience of working within a large NHS or similar organisation or relevant experience in other public sector organisations, be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, be able to work on their own initiative, have an understanding of public procurement and contract management, assist category team with meeting departmental objectives including achievement of agreed procurement savings targets. Individual needs to be conversant with IT, have the ability to analyse & interpret data and have a current valid driving license.
Your primary base will be County Hall; however frequent travel between UHL’s hospital sites will be required.
Advert
Support projects within one or more Categories under the direction of the Senior Procurement Team.
Manage and coordinate the work of the Team; gathering and analysing spend / supplier data; tracking benefits with the input of Finance in preparation for inclusion in reports & presentations
Deputise for the Team.
Under Manager's direction support the stages of the tendering process.
Contract Management - As required by the type of framework or contract arrangements the Category Assistant will be required to schedule and coordinate supplier/stakeholder meetings ensuring these are written and actioned.
For suitable projects, the Category Assistant may be required to undertake procurement exercises in full.
The post holder may be required to undertake other duties not specified within the job description but within the general scope of the post.
- Category scoping / Market & data analysis
- Demand challenge – opportunities
- Support – commodities with minimum supervision
- Drafting/Writing papers
-
For further information see job description.
Working for our organisation
Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).
We have four primary goals:
- high-quality care for all,
- being a great place to work,
- partnerships for impact, and
- research and education excellence
And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.
Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:
- we are compassionate,
- we are proud,
- we are inclusive, and
- we are one team
This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.
UHL is proud of its preceptorship and were awarded the National Preceptorship Quality mark in August 2023. This award recognises the high quality service we provide to support our newly registered professionals transition to their professional role
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:
http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/current-vacancies/
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To support a defined portfolio of projects within one or more Categories under the direction of the Senior Procurement Team as appropriate.
Manage and coordinate the work to support the Category lead in gathering and analysing spend and supplier data, and if appropriate tracking benefits with the input of Finance and preparing these for inclusion in reports and presentations.
Able to deputise for the Category or project lead.
Under the direction of the Manager support the stages of the preparation for the tendering process including
a. Pre-tender information gathering.
b. Pre-tender supplier meetings.
c. Preparation for the tender process:
i. Lead the development of specifications with stakeholders
ii. Prepare Advert copy and Expressions of Interest
iii. Prepare Prequalification documentation
iv. Prepare the Invitation to Tender or equivalent document for the chosen process (e Auction, Competitive Dialogue, Dynamic Procurement etc)
v. Draft the award criteria for the tender evaluation and subsequent steps if defined by the process.
Under the direction of the Manager, manage the running of the tender process via the e-tendering process adopting the required procurement type and ensuring:
a. Appropriate confidentiality and record keeping is adopted during the Tender process including information distributed, access to e Tender systems, and contact with suppliers.
b. Each stage is fully populated and properly completed.
c. Clarification questions are answered promptly (with advice from the Manager and Stakeholder as appropriate).
d. Sensitive information in hard copy format should be kept secure.
e. Evaluation documents should be uploaded to the e portal.
Post award activity. The Category Assistant will be required to support the drafting and issue of award documentation, draft feedback information for formal debriefs, standstill and award documentation.
The Category Assistant may also be required to attend or lead the formal debrief and feedback meetings to unsuccessful bidders.
Contract Management. As required by the type of framework or contract arrangements the Category Assistant will be required to schedule and coordinate supplier interface meetings with stakeholders and ensure these are fully written and actioned.
For suitable projects, the Category Assistant may be required to undertake procurement exercises in full. This may involve:
a. Understanding the markets
b. Engaging with stakeholders
c. Developing the procurement approach and sourcing strategies
d. Carrying out OJEU procurement exercises
To liaise with the Supplies Operations team in relation to any contracts convened, ensuring information is presented to them in a timely and agreed format. To provide data to update the catalogue with new supplier details product details, contract dates and prices and payment terms.
General Activities
a. To support the provision of market data for agreed commodities or service areas meeting suppliers as appropriate and disseminating information to appropriate personnel within the Trust.
b. To monitor procurement developments of external organisations particularly, GPS (Government Procurement Service), NHSSC (NHS Supply Chain), NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) and other relevant external bodies.
c. To represent Procurement at meetings within the Trust.
f. To assist in the development of the Department’s services
Other Duties
The post holder may be required to undertake other duties not specified within the job description but within the general scope of the post.
Working Areas:
Category scoping and data analysis
Demand challenge – opportunities
Support – commodities minimum supervision
Drafting/Writing papers
Market reports/analysis
Additional Information
Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.
Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.
UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.
Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.
UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.
The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.
The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.
COVID 19 Risk Assessment
Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.
The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.
If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.
Covid Vaccination Status
Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.
Person specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Degree or relevant experience. 5 GCSE’s or equivalent including Maths and English
Desirable criteria
- Hold a professional procurement qualification or have relevant procurement experience
Experience
Essential criteria
- The preferred candidate will have at least 1 years experience within a large NHS or similar organisation or relevant experience in other public sector organisations or the wider commercial sector healthcare industry Working Knowledge of Public Procurement rules (E.U. Directives) Working knowledge of corporate governance arrangements and public procurement legislation Demonstrate solid achievement in their current role in relation to procurement.
Desirable criteria
- Experience of procurement/category management within the NHS.
analytical and Judgement skills
Essential criteria
- Demonstrate the ability to analyse and interpret data Show a good level of comprehension and ability to interpret reports and other market information
Desirable criteria
- Experience in preparing reports and analyses for senior management
Physical skills
Essential criteria
- Ability to travel between sites. Ability to sit at prolonged periods of time at a desk. Use of a laptop or desktop for prolonged periods of time.
Desirable criteria
- Have a flexible approach to work and be available to work outside normal working hours
Equality and Diversity
Essential criteria
- Able to demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
Other requirements specific to the role
Essential criteria
- Potential to develop and change within the changing NHS. Conversant with information management and technology.
Desirable criteria
- Vehicle License Holder.
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential criteria
- Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s Values and Behaviours
Communication and relationship skills
Essential criteria
- Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence to operate at all levels Ability to demonstrate developed interpersonal skills. Ability to work in teams and with differing levels of staff
Desirable criteria
- Experience working within a team/workshop environment which produces measurable outputs
Planning and organisation skills
Essential criteria
- Able to prioritise and work within imposed deadlines. Ability to work within minimum supervision
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Tony Roost
- Job title
- Category Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 07960 558231
- Additional information
Tony Roost Simran Gill
Category Manager Category Specialist
Tel: 07950 891 629
E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected]
No longer accepting applications
Sorry, this vacancy is no longer accepting applications.
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