NWSSP Legal & Risk Services
Assistant Head of Operational Procurement

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Applicants are invited to apply in Welsh. Any application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.
Job Overview
If you’re looking for a career in Procurement that keeps you motivated, offers potential for personal development and puts you in a position to make a positive difference to the NHS in Wales, then NWSSP Procurement Services has a career that will interest you. NWSSP Procurement Services is an established employer that supports the delivery of goods and services to NHS Wales. We aim to be a “trusted advisor” and indispensable partner for our customers on all procurement issues. We aim to be an organisation that is thought of positively by people who work both for us and with us, whilst adhering to a clear set of values that underpin everything we do. We are an award winning employer, regularly being recognised both locally and nationally for the work that we do for NHS Wales in the world of procurement.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job
- Lead the customer services and operational management section of the Local Procurement department.
- Ensure that Procurement Services achieve our operational and financial objectives and act in compliance with public procurement regulations, UK/Welsh law and Health Board/Trust Standing Financial Instructions.
- Provide vision and leadership in the development and implementation of service improvement within the Procurement function, ensuring that systems, processes, policies and procedures are in place to enable the Procurement team to deliver its strategic and operational targets.
Working for our organisation
At NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership we expect everyone to embrace our values of Listening and Learning, Working Together, Taking Responsibility and Innovating.
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Our organisation encourages an agile working approach and we pride ourselves on being a learning organisation motivated by continuous improvement.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion, focussing on the wellbeing and belonging of our people.
Excellent customer service is something we strive for, for both our internal and external customers.
Offering a comprehensive benefits package, there is something for everyone. To find out more about working for us, the benefits we offer and guidance on the application process please visit https://nwssp.nhs.wales/working-for-us/
NWSSP work in an agile way where possible, all posts will have a contractual base but as part of agile ways of working that may mean working from home and other locations. We also look at how we balance flexibility with community, and how to manage opportunities to learn from each other.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click “Apply now” to view in Trac.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- MCIPS Qualified (Level 6)
- Post graduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA) or demonstrable equivalent experience in a relevant area
Experience
Essential criteria
- Demonstrable track record of achievement of operational management, and delivery of operational strategic objectives
- Expertise in Public procurement and contract management, obtained via further training and/or relevant experience
- Demonstrable track record of obtaining savings and other business indicators
- Experience of people/staff management
Desirable criteria
- Awareness of Provider Selection Regime (Wales)
Skills
Essential criteria
- Strong leadership skills and ability to lead by example
- Well-developed influencing skills with significant experience / negotiating skills, a good builder of productive relationships
We are committed to flexible working and equal opportunities.
If you are short listed for interview you will be contacted by email using the email address with which you registered. Please ensure that you check your email account regularly.
Prior consideration for this vacancy will be given to staff awaiting redeployment. We therefore reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any stage.
When applying for this post it is essential that you read the Job Description and Person Specification (where available) and demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the person specification. Only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted.


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To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa, unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply should self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship by visiting Work in the UK. If you are eligible for the Health and Care visa, application costs are lower and you do not need to pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.
Applicant requirements
- You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
- The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
- Welsh language skills are desirable
Documents to download
- JDPS English (PDF, 480.3KB)
- JDPS - Welsh (PDF, 560.3KB)
- OH Form - IG Ffurflen (PDF, 640.5KB)
- NWSSP Recruitment Services Privacy Notice (PDF, 404.2KB)
- NWSSP - About Us (PDF, 6.6MB)
- NWSSP - Our Benefits (PDF, 490.4KB)
- NWSSP - Buddion (PDF, 458.9KB)
- PCGC -Amdanom (PDF, 6.7MB)
- Guidance Notes for Applicants (PDF, 322.5KB)
- Integrated Medium Term Plan 2025-2028 (PDF, 15.1MB)
- Integrated Medium Term Plan 2025-2028 - Cymraeg (PDF, 18.0MB)
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name: Gareth Hudson
- Job title: Deputy Head of Operational Procurement
- Email address: gareth.hudson@wales.nhs.uk
- Telephone number: 02921 500200
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