Purchasing Assistant

Location: William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
Pay: £13.50 per hour
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Temporary or Permanent (depending on business need)

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Purchasing Assistant to join the Procurement Services team at William Harvey Hospital. This is an ideal role for someone with administrative experience who wants to develop within the public healthcare sector and contribute to the smooth running of essential hospital operations.

You will work closely with Buyers and Senior Category Buyers, supporting the procurement function by managing routine purchasing processes. This includes raising and processing purchase orders, requesting quotes, helping with tender documentation, resolving invoice queries, and maintaining accurate product and supplier information.

Your work will directly contribute to value-for-money purchasing, efficient supply of goods and services, and high-quality patient care. You’ll also support internal stakeholders—such as clinical teams, IT, estates, and finance staff—ensuring their procurement needs are met in a timely and professional manner.

• Raise and process purchase orders using e-procurement systems

• Obtain supplier quotes and assist with tender documentation

• Track product costs and ensure purchases meet compliance standards

• Liaise with internal departments and suppliers to gather information and resolve queries

• Update and maintain product catalogues and price lists

• Help track and report savings or cost containment achieved through procurement

• Assist in trialling new products in line with hospital procedures

• Handle invoice discrepancies and support resolution

• Provide administrative support to the wider procurement team

• Participate in supplier meetings and record agreed actions or outcomes

• Help ensure procurement activities meet EU and NHS financial regulations

We’re looking for someone with strong administrative skills and a good understanding of purchasing or procurement processes. You should be confident with IT systems and able to communicate clearly with a range of people from suppliers to senior internal stakeholders.

• At least 12 months’ experience in an administrative or similar role

• Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

• Ability to work methodically and meet deadlines

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability

• A-Level education or equivalent

• Able to manage tasks independently and as part of a team

• Experience using e-procurement systems (especially in healthcare)

• Knowledge of NHS procurement or public sector purchasing

• Working towards CIPS Level 3 or above

• Familiarity with Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) or NHS supply frameworks

You’ll be joining a professional and supportive team committed to delivering a high-quality procurement service. This role offers valuable insight into the workings of NHS procurement and is a great opportunity for career development in public sector purchasing and supply chain operations.

Apply now to take the next step in your administrative or procurement career. For more information, feel free to get in touch with our recruitment team.