Employer: Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Job Title: Procurement Manager
Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 per annum
Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change – Band 8a
Contract: Permanent
Job Type: Full-time, Flexible working
Closing Date: 03 September 2025
Job Summary
The Procurement Manager will play a key leadership role in delivering a GMP-compliant NHS manufacturing facility at the Northumbria Healthcare Medicines Manufacturing Centre (MMC).
Responsibilities include the end-to-end procurement function — sourcing, supplier qualification, contract management, and customer service — ensuring the timely, compliant, and cost-effective acquisition of materials and services.
The successful candidate will:
Lead a multidisciplinary team.
Serve as the main point of contact for procurement across the regional Provider Collaborative.
Support the MMC’s manufacturing licence, wholesale authorisation, and regulatory readiness.
Develop scalable procurement systems to safeguard the NHS supply chain for unlicensed medicines.
The MMC is in final design stages, with construction planned through to September 2025. Initially, staff will be employed by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, transferring to the Medicines Manufacturing Centre LLP under TUPE upon formation.
Main Duties of the Job
Lead procurement, administration, and customer service teams to deliver compliant, value-driven supply solutions for the MMC.
Manage supplier onboarding, Bonafide checks, and contract compliance in line with GMP, GDP, and NHS procurement frameworks.
Oversee procurement of raw materials, packaging, consumables, and contracted services.
Act as the primary supply chain liaison between the MMC and NHS “spoke” hospitals across the North East and North Cumbria.
Support MHRA inspections and internal audits through accurate procurement documentation and supplier records.
Drive continuous improvement via data analysis, supplier engagement, and team development.
Manage budgets, authorise spend, and identify cost improvement or risk mitigation opportunities.
Develop future-proof procurement systems and engage in collaborative NHS procurement initiatives.
Job Description – Responsibilities
Lead the development and implementation of procurement systems, supplier governance, and service infrastructure to support the MMC.
Oversee supplier qualification, Bonafide checks, compliance documentation, and performance reviews in alignment with GMP and GDP principles.
Collaborate with Quality, Production, Finance, R&D, and Warehouse to integrate procurement strategies into operational planning.
Represent the MMC in NHS procurement networks and the Commercial Medicines Unit.
Train and develop procurement, admin, and customer service staff to align with the MMC’s quality system.
Oversee SOP development, ensure audit readiness, and manage supply chain risk.
Lead procurement audits, inspections, and investigations.
Develop procurement dashboards and KPIs for stockholding and supplier delivery metrics.
Manage digital procurement systems (e.g., PowerGate, Unit 4).
Work with IT and Finance to automate workflows, improve reporting, and enhance traceability.
Contribute to long-term commercial planning, stock forecasting, and scaling for the MMC’s licences.
Promote a culture of learning, improvement, and collaboration across the Provider Collaborative.
Person Specification
Qualifications – Essential
Degree in relevant discipline or equivalent experience in procurement or supply chain management in the NHS, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or another regulated industry.
Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
CIPS Level 5 or higher (or working towards).
Qualifications – Desirable
Postgraduate qualification in supply chain, healthcare management, or public procurement.
Experience – Essential
Managing or supervising teams, including recruitment, appraisals, and performance development.
Significant procurement or supply chain management experience in NHS, pharmaceutical, or regulated sectors.
Supplier onboarding, Bonafide checks, contract negotiation, and supplier performance management.
Experience – Desirable
Implementing procurement systems or digital platforms (e.g., PowerGate, Unit 4, EPIC).
Working in a GMP/GDP-compliant environment.
Involvement in inspections or audits (MHRA, NHS internal audit) related to supply chain or materials traceability.
Procurement of aseptic or high-cost medicines (e.g., oncology).
Working in a pharmaceutical or aseptic production facility.
Establishing new procurement or customer service functions from scratch.
About Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust manages three major locality hospitals — North Tyneside, Wansbeck, and Hexham — plus smaller community hospitals and clinics from Tynemouth to Berwick on Tweed.
The Trust covers one of the largest geographical areas of any NHS trust in England and is a leader in innovation and quality, including opening the state-of-the-art Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital — the first of its kind in England.
The organisation values both patient and staff experience, and the surrounding area offers clean air, affordable living, excellent nightlife, top schools, and rich history.
Additional Information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: Required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Skilled Worker visa applicants are welcome.
From 6 April 2017, Skilled Worker applicants must provide a criminal record certificate for each country resided in for 12+ months over the past 10 years. Adult dependants are also subject to this requirement.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in this role, visit the official website for more information — click here to apply now.