Commercial Officer (x2 Bristol and Barnsley)
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
This exciting position is for those people who have a thirst for commercial outcomes that have a real impact on how the ambulance service manages its emergency communications. We seek individuals who share our sense of purpose and embrace the challenge of getting things done in a complex, mission-critical Emergency Services environment. This requires the management of a portfolio of contracts, the management of change, and administration of key commercial systems and processes (e.g., procurement and contract management systems).
The successful candidate will be supported by a strong team of commercial professionals who have joined the team from a variety of backgrounds, and we value the contribution that our team brings.
The post is anticipated to be home-based but depending on the location and preference of the successful candidate, it will be possible to work out of one of ARP's offices (there are currently offices in Barnsley, Bristol and Central London). It is expected that for home-based candidates there will be a need for occasional travel to one of the offices or to meet external colleagues and/or other members of the ARP team.
We encourage applications from anyone with a passion for positive commercial outcomes that enhance patient care. Although the role is scoped as a full-time role, we encourage applications from individuals that may require flexible working arrangements.
Main duties of the job
No two days are the same for this role. The Commercial Officer plays a key role in administering systems and processes that support the broader ARP Commercial team. This role also comes with contract management responsibilities for a portfolio of critical 'Bronze' (lower complexity) contracts and will support the management and monitoring of commercial risks and issues. The successful candidate will need to interact frequently with other ARP colleagues, suppliers and Ambulance Trusts across Great Britain. The role also requires frequent engagement with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), which provides funding for most activities within the Ambulance Radio Programme.
This role also provides the successful candidate with significant development opportunities through the Contract Management Capability Programme (CMCP), or external professional qualifications (such as Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply - CIPS).
About us
The Ambulance Radio Programme (ARP) is an enduring organisation directly appointed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to provide and upgrade emergency communications for UK ambulance services.
ARP has a team of over eighty staff consisting of commercial, finance, project, implementation, technical, user assurance and service colleagues. They are based all over the country to support the successful delivery and maintenance of a £460m programme of work. The aim of ARP is to implement new technology that provides innovation and enhances patient care with the latest equipment. ARP's solutions also play a longer-term role in preparing the ambulance service for the adoption of the Home Office's Emergency Services Network (ESN).
ARP is currently in the process of introducing an array of new technology-based services to Ambulance Trusts and Air Ambulance charities. The Services include the introduction of new technology to the national Ambulance fleet (approx. 6500 vehicles) and upgrading and developing new, data-rich communications products (apps and hardware) for use by over 15,000 frontline paramedic and Control Room staff. Overall, ARP is responsible for providing an end-to-end service covering installation, maintenance, and replacement, which plays a key role in enabling effective response to critical life-threatening incidents.
Job responsibilities
Although the team is delivering complex programmes on behalf of the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), the team is hosted by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, which means the successful candidate will enjoy all the benefits that working for an NHS Foundation Trust has to offer. These include a generous annual leave allowance (starting at 27 days), career average NHS pension scheme, access to a network of NHS / Emergency Services discounts offered by third party partners and NHS tax free initiatives like a salary sacrifice lease car scheme, plus cycle to work and technology scheme tax saving initiatives.
Please note to only apply once - there will be two adverts to capture both Barnsley and Bristol area, but applicants only need to apply to one of the adverts as these will be amalgamated once the advert closes.
Person Specification
Education, Knowledge and Skills
* Degree or equivalent
* Experience of supplier relationship management
* Project management
* Track record of ability to deliver against targets
* Experience of team working, delegation and empowerment
* Understanding and knowledge of Trust Standing Financial Instructions, UK Procurement Law, Remedies Directive and other relevant UK legislation, e.g., TUPE, Competition Act, Race Relations, Data Protection, Freedom of Information, etc.
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.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working
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