Job summary The Northern Care Alliance (NCA) is looking to recruit a pro-active, self motivated and ambitious Category Buyer to join our team. Working as an integral part of the Procurement department, the post holder will be expected to support and eventually lead on a portfolio of procurement projects within the strategic sourcing team of the Procurement service, contributing to the development and achievement of the procurement strategy and work plan. Currently predominately home based - the role requires flexible working from Trust offices and home location with flexibility to meet the demands of the role (due to the nature of the role you may be required to work on various NCA sites from time to time). Training and support is offered on the right candidates to ensure they can be successful in the role. Main duties of the job The post holder will work under the guidance of senior managers to provide a service that is sensitive, responsive, and flexible to the changing needs of the organisation. They will work closely with stakeholders to influence choice, prioritise change and deliver value for money, added benefits, standardisation, process improvement and improvement to Trust services. The role of category buyer requires the individual to work with others but also autonomously at times to make decisions that will improve the way the function works and convey this to colleagues. The post holder is also expected to contribute to the sharing of best practice within the Procurement department so that procurement activity is engaged in an effective and consistent way. Experience within a large procurement function is desirable and you should have an awareness of all legislation, policy and guidance associated with competitive tendering, contract awards and compliance. CIPS qualified or willingness to work towards the qualification, plus experience in the Healthcare sector, though not essential, would be a distinct advantage. About us The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) provides hospital and integrated health and social care services to over one million people living across Greater Manchester. Our 20,000 colleagues care for people in hospital and in the community, working across Bury, Rochdale, Oldham and Salford, to save and improve lives. As a large NHS trust we are committed to enhancing the health of our local population by delivering consistently high standards of care and working closely with local authorities and key partners. We believe in our power and potential to make a difference and we're always looking for people who demonstrate our three core values - care, appreciate and inspire - to join our team. In return, we can offer you a job role with purpose and flexibility. The size and scale of the NCA means we can provide more challenge and opportunities so your career can always be moving in the right direction. By joining us you can also access a competitive benefits package, including, a fantastic annual leave allowance, flexible working opportunities and protected hours for health and wellbeing activities, helping you to achieve more personal downtime and a better work-life balance. Date posted 04 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £26,530 to £29,114 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 236-NCA-AC088-25 Job locations Salford Royal Hospital Stott Lane Salford M6 8HD Job description Job responsibilities To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about working at the Northern Care Alliance within the attached Candidate Information Pack or by visiting our careers website: www.careers.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk Job description Job responsibilities To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about working at the Northern Care Alliance within the attached Candidate Information Pack or by visiting our careers website: www.careers.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk Person Specification Qualifications Essential Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement (MCIPS), working towards or with a desire to work towards membership. A good standard of general education incl. GCSE Math's and English or equivalent Desirable Evidence of Continuous professional development Project management qualification Information Technology qualification. Knowledge, training and experience Essential Knowledge of Procurement Customer Care and Supply Chain Management. An awareness of NHS Terms and Conditions of contract and SFI to ensure all requisitions/orders/contracts comply with organisational policies. An awareness of all legislation, policy and guidance associated with competitive tendering, contract awards and compliance Knowledge and understanding of category management An awareness of how to competitively tender and award contracts that are compliant with internal governance and the Public Contract Regulations Desirable Experience working within Public Sector Procurement Experience working within a Procurement function in a large Organisation Skills and Abilities Essential Evidence of good communication skills Evidence of organisational, time management, prioritisation skills Proficient with IT systems Evidence of analytical skills and pragmatic approach to problem solving Person Specification Qualifications Essential Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement (MCIPS), working towards or with a desire to work towards membership. A good standard of general education incl. GCSE Math's and English or equivalent Desirable Evidence of Continuous professional development Project management qualification Information Technology qualification. Knowledge, training and experience Essential Knowledge of Procurement Customer Care and Supply Chain Management. An awareness of NHS Terms and Conditions of contract and SFI to ensure all requisitions/orders/contracts comply with organisational policies. An awareness of all legislation, policy and guidance associated with competitive tendering, contract awards and compliance Knowledge and understanding of category management An awareness of how to competitively tender and award contracts that are compliant with internal governance and the Public Contract Regulations Desirable Experience working within Public Sector Procurement Experience working within a Procurement function in a large Organisation Skills and Abilities Essential Evidence of good communication skills Evidence of organisational, time management, prioritisation skills Proficient with IT systems Evidence of analytical skills and pragmatic approach to problem solving 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust Address Salford Royal Hospital Stott Lane Salford M6 8HD Employer's website https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)