BWPC Strategy

Who are BWPC?

As Bristol & Weston NHS Purchasing Consortium we provide a comprehensive range of purchasing services to support local Trusts and Healthcare Providers. We are NHS employees hosted by North Bristol NHS Trust and our services include all aspects of clinical and non-clinical purchasing, supply chain management and capital equipping (CES) and our system tools include e-tendering, reporting, spend analysis and order management. 

About the role of Senior Purchasing Specialist within our Indirect category team

The Indirect category team is the largest spend category within BWPC. Its remit primarily focuses on Soft and Hard FM, Estates/Capital Estates and Financial Services requirements, in addition to all Workforce related demand including, but not limited to Agency, Recruitment, Training etc.

Reporting to the Category Manager, the Senior Purchasing Specialist is a key member of the team and integral to the success and the delivery of the overall Category Strategy and associated pipelines. 

In addition to typically managing complex, high value procurements through to contract finalisation, this Senior Purchasing Specialist shall act as a deputy for the Category Manager when required, in both internal and external meetings, as well as resolving ad hoc queries that may arise, while also managing and supporting more junior members of the team. 

The key focus for the next 12-24 months, shall be to significantly improve the compliance requirements under their remit of responsibility, while developing collaborative relationships with key stakeholders to drive the delivery of both improvements and savings. 

Additionally, there is a requirement to support the development of the more junior members of the category team, where the sharing of knowledge and procurement experience shall support the development of the team as a whole. 

Why work for BWPC?

Making the decision to change your job is always a daunting prospect. One question you always want to ask is why is this vacancy available???

We have been granted funding to increase our resource capacity and capability, to enable us to expand our Category Management portfolios and increase the value that is expected from our NHS Trusts.  We are currently investing in new procurement software to enable us to react and compete in new complex market places and support with assessing new category areas where we can drive quality and value and are looking for skilled procurement professionals who can help us achieve our goals.

 As a procurement professional, you know that the role is never just about securing the cheapest price; there are many facets to drive value, reduce exposure to risk and secure supply and BWPC like all industries at the moment are facing

challenging supply chain issues, resource shortages and complex market conditions which makes the our role in BWPC interesting, challenging and rewarding. 

Procurement is regarded as a strategic function within the Trusts we serve;  we have a dedicated Director of Procurement which gives the department the right level of representation and we have Trust backing to ensure we can deliver on our promises.  By increasing our pool of talented procurement professionals, we can continue to support our Trusts objectives to provide high quality patient care, develop healthcare for the future and be an anchor in the communities we serve.

Having this investment shows the commitment of the Trusts longer term to BWPC, ensuring we attract new team members with their wealth of knowledge and experience to help innovate the way in which we do things for the future of the NHS. 

Information for Prospective Candidates 

Our current clients include: 

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT)

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW)

Close working relationships with these Trusts and Providers and also collaboration with other organisations brings economies of scale, sharing of data and best practice so that we maximise savings and efficiencies. We work closely with each client to support compliance with all purchase-to-pay procedures and delivering improved efficiencies in all areas including automation, consolidation of invoices, strictly controlled access to purchasing systems and so on.   

Meet the team

Steph Williamson

Purchasing System Analyst

Cycle to work scheme, a benefit of working for the NHS

"I took advantage of the Cycle to Work scheme last year as a way of reducing the anxiety I was suffering using public transport and to give myself more freedom as I do not drive. Previously had I had not looked into cycling due to joint issues. The scheme allowed me to afford a quality e-bike using salary sacrifice, which allowed me to cycle in spite of my joint issues.

The facilities at work to support cyclists are excellent, with plenty of room in bike sheds for security and a pump/self-servicing station in the main building’s shed.  I’ve now been cycling for almost a year to and from work and the benefits to my health and wellbeing are considerable."

Silvia Barbos 

Buyer

My procurement career

"Hello, my name is Silvia Barbos. I am originally from Romania, came in the UK four years ago and after a year I’ve joined BWPC as a Purchasing Assistant and recently became a Buyer in the Invasive Team. 

I am thankful for the chance to enjoy a procurement career in the UK, a career that gives me so much joy and satisfaction. Working for a hospital is really rewarding knowing I’ll make a positive impact by directly contributing to the hospital and patients.

Working on the Procurement Team might be challenging sometimes but I’ve found a great place with great colleagues always ready to help, a place to grow professionally, a place where you don’t get bored. 
Why BWPC? If you like to help others, you like challenges, to learn and develop yourself then is the right place for you."

Tom Woodward 

General Manager – Trauma and Orthopaedics

"My role as General Manager for Trauma and Orthopaedics entails budgetary responsibility for significant non-pay spend with various medical equipment suppliers. Prior to becoming a General Manager I had no experience in procurement processes, however working closely with colleagues in BWPC over the last 2 years has helped me to gain a greater understanding of procurement. I meet regularly with the appropriate Category Lead and Category Manager to discuss strategy and deliver a procurement program which provides the best value for money to our population and provides the necessary resources to our clinical teams to optimise patient care."