Purchasing Officer

A full-time and permanent Purchasing Officer vacancy has arisen within the Adult Social Care Contracting Team.

The post-holder will be an integral part of a skilled and experienced multi-agency team, which supports the successful delivery of the Derbyshire Integrated Community Equipment Service (‘the ICES’).

The ICES provides a wide range of community equipment on short or long-term loan, enabling children and adults with care and support needs – and their carers - to be as independent as possible, in the place they call home and in their chosen community. Community equipment also facilitates quicker hospital discharges and the reduction of non-elective hospital admissions, by supporting people’s nursing needs in their own homes.

The post-holder will support the ICES Contract Manager and Commissioning Service Manager to ensure the efficient and cost-effective management of the ICES and provision of community equipment to the people of Derbyshire.

Previous experience of working with community equipment or in social care is not essential but an understanding of the health and social care system as well as the ability to work well with a range of internal and external stakeholders and other agencies is desirable. Training and ongoing support will be provided.

Applicants must be able to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, and have excellent communication, administrative, written and information technology skills in order to undertake the duties of this role. The applicants use of ‘Word’ and ‘Excel’ software will be assessed as part of the interview process.

The post-holder will also be involved in contract quality and performance monitoring using a risk-based approach, and service development and improvement. Strong analytical skills are required to support these activities, which will include research, data analysis, collation of information and compilation of data/textual information for managers and other stakeholders across the health and social care system.

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.