Relevant and informed clinical engagement is at the heart of our processes and keeps the interests of the patient at the forefront.

Every day you will…

• Using your clinical/product experience and knowledge, your role has responsibility for engaging with healthcare, divisional and procurement professionals in NHS Trusts and providers to:

  • Understand their requirements for products, based on their current operating preferences, sub-specialty practices, clinical environment and any key issues which may hinder progress such as product safety notices, recalls.
  • Support them in making savings for their area through effective clinical engagement and procurement initiatives. Each Clinical Specialist works closely with and is supported by a Category Manager and a Procurement Assistant member of staff.
  • Build and manage effective relationships with healthcare professionals within NHS organisations/providers to ensure the clinical “voice” is captured when product specifications are detailed and options for clinical change are put forward.
  • Build and manage relationships with Supplier/Industry professionals, in particular when working on projects with relevant NHS Trusts.
  • Provide project leadership and support, ensuring the delivery of quality services that represent best value and understand the key strategic direction of the organisation to ensure that processes are adhered to, and projects are effectively managed with a clear understanding across different stakeholders.
  • Work with clinicians to optimise their product base and care delivery through product change and service provision, whilst ensuring patient centric care is the focus.
  • Lead on product evaluations at individual or groups of NHS Trusts, developing product specifications and data analytics to support the decision-making process, ensuring key personnel from any NHS Trust project are engaged and informed.
  • Participate in and develop own clinical forums and networks to ensure NHS SC is appropriately represented and engaged in best practice and up-to-date thinking on products and services.
  • Be aligned and aware of national strategies and directives.

This home-based role requires regular travel to NHS hospitals and NHS Supply Chain locations, working closely with a range of clinical and non-clinical stakeholders across NHS Trusts. While most meetings are conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams, candidates must have a suitable home-working environment. IT equipment will be provided.

What can we offer you?

• Hybrid working opportunities, giving you the flexibility to work collaboratively in the office and remotely.
• We recognise our employees' hard work and contributions with annual bonus schemes, long service, and colleague recognition awards.
• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• We are dedicated to your development, through in-house training, support, and access to external qualifications to maximise your potential.
• A focus on your well-being offering 1 day of paid well-being leave and free access to the 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous pension scheme (with us contributing 12% when you contribute 6%).
• Access to our Flexible Benefits Scheme, where you can choose from a variety of benefits such as Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection, Health Cash Plan, Dental Insurance, and additional pension contributions that suit you.
• 2 days of paid volunteering leave allowing you to give back to your community.
• Access to many discounts from the Blue Light Card to NHS Discounts.

NHS Supply Chain, who are we?

Our role is to support the NHS to save lives and improve health. We are a part of the NHS family, and our role is to source, deliver and supply healthcare products, services and food for NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across England and Wales.

We serve every NHS Trust and operate a national network of distribution centres, managing relationships with more than a thousand suppliers and delivering more than 8,000,000 orders each year to more than 17,000 locations. Doing all of this on behalf of the NHS gives NHS staff more time to focus on their main priority of providing excellent patient care.

What skills will help you thrive in this role?

• We are looking for a health professional with significant Tissue Viability experience, exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills. A person with the ability to process information, understand clinical needs, drivers, patient demographics and user experience. An individual who can gain credibility with clinicians due to product and clinical knowledge, and professional experience.
• A rounded understanding of procurement and contracting would be advantageous although this role is supported by procurement professionals.
• Have an established network of peers within their clinical environment, and/or with products industry.
• Experience of managing projects is desirable.
• IT capable, with an analytic and attention to detail competence. Training is given for those who need it, but a propensity is important.
• Willingness to travel, with a valid British driving licence, travel may also be by public transport - mileage, train travel and accommodation is provided or is expensed.
• We are looking for a self-motivated individual who is comfortable with managing their own diary. Gaps in your understanding will be developed and, as such, being able to take on a new challenge and develop expertise in relation to products is key.
• This role will require an ability to conduct detailed work at a computer for long periods and so a mental capacity for this whilst working remotely is essential.
• Confident with great energy and an engaging manner.

Our Inclusive Commitment

At NHS Supply Chain, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where difference is not only valued, but celebrated, giving everyone the opportunity to thrive in their career. Developing our people is key to our success, so if this role sounds like the right next step in your career but your experience doesn’t match perfectly with the job advert, we encourage you to still apply.

Struggling to complete our application form, and require additional support? Reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at careers@supplychain.nhs.uk who will be happy to help you with alternative ways to apply.

We reserve the right to close any vacancy from further submissions when we have received sufficient applications from which to make a shortlist. Please apply without delay if you wish to be considered for this role.

SCCL is a company Registered in England and Wales, with company number 10881715, to act as the management function of the NHS Supply Chain.