Jobs.hscni.net

Grainne is a Procurement Manager in the Medical and Ops Team

Can you tell us about your job and what you do from day to day?

I am responsible for managing a regional contracting portfolio for medical goods and services required by a range of Organisations across the HSC Sector. I manage a regional sourcing team and work closely with HSCNI customers to ensure contracts are put in place.

My working day can range from meetings with my team to review work plans, with customers to develop specifications and evaluate products and with suppliers in relation to contract management issues.

How long have you been in your current role?

I have been in my role as a Procurement Manager since 2014 and have 26 years’ experience of working in BSO PaLS.

What experience / education is required to perform this role?

The personnel specification for the role requires the post holder to have a primary degree or hold a Professional Qualification such as CIPS or CILT and have at least two years’ experience or have five years’ relevant experience which must include management of staff.

Experience in managing and prioritising a wide and varied contracting portfolio and the ability to develop good working relationships with multi-disciplinary teams is essential. Experience of managing a busy team to deliver a high quality service to customers is crucial.

Knowledge of the legislation and policies in relation to public sector procurement is important to provide advice to customers. Keeping up-to-date with market developments which may impact on the medical category is a key part of the role.

What is the biggest challenge in your role?

No two days are the same in my role and the biggest challenge is managing unexpected or new requests. This requires a level of agility and flexibility to meet the needs of the service. Every day in Procurement is a school day!

What advice would you give to others looking for a job in your field?

My role as Procurement Manager working for the BSO PaLS is challenging, but rewarding because I can see how what I do benefits our customers and ultimately patients across Northern Ireland.

There are good career opportunities for those who wish to progress.

What do you like best about your role and working in HSC?

The most satisfying part of my role is when the customers are happy with the outcome of an award of Contract and also seeing staff I trained progress and develop in their roles.