Job overview
The Buying Support Officer role will be responsible for processing purchasing requests from services and departments across the trust. Supporting the trust standardisation and rationalisation programme ensuring products and services ordered are in accordance with trust policies and procedures.
They will assist the purchasing team in promoting and maintaining a cost effective, responsive and efficient service to the Trust.
Main duties of the job
Endeavour to develop and maintain a sound knowledge of all product areas including an awareness of market trends and ‘best buys’.
Continually develop and improve the relationships between the Purchasing Department and other departments within the Trust, using excellent customer service skills.
Operate and utilise the computerised ordering system(s) as required, including the preparation of reports
Undertake to source and purchase goods and service and dispose of goods as appropriate on behalf of the Trust with due regard to the achievement of value for money in all transactions.
Undertake the support function of the department in relation to recording and distribution of information and relevant documentation
Following procurement procedures with regards to day to day processing
Developing knowledge relating to products, customers, and suppliers.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
generic wording
Person specification
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- • Experience of automated ordering systems and other software packages
- • Customer services experience
- • Excellent communication skills
- • Good standard of general education
- • IT & Keyboard skills
- • Experience of working in a busy office environment, working to high standards of accuracy under pressure and meeting deadlines
- • An understanding of purchasing/buying
- • Good organisational skills
- • Experience of teamwork
Desirable
- • NVQ in Customer Services of Business Admin
- • Working towards CIPS qualification
- • Experience within the NHS or public sector organisations
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- • Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
- • Negotiation skills
- • Ability to organise and prioritise work effectively
- • Ability to work on own initiative with minimum supervision and to problem solve
- • Ability to be proactive and support change
- • Have a flexible and adaptable approach with the ability to work accurately
Desirable
- • Knowledge of ISO or other quality standards
Behaviours and values
Essential
- • Ability to keep calm under pressure
- • Ability to engage in decision making
- • Commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices
- • Commitment to continuous self-development
Desirable
- • Willing to see a job through until a satisfactory outcome has been achieved
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Buying Support Officer with Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in St Mary's Hospital. It is listed as a Band 2 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £25,272 pa pro rate. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 20 Aug 2026.
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