Buyer

Band 4 · Procurement officer · 279 job evaluation points

Buys goods and services through quotations and framework call-offs, including standard software, devices, and licences, within set procedures.

Responsibilities

Run quotations and further competitions under frameworks, using standard templates and the e-tendering system.
Buy standard software, devices, and licences, tracking renewals and licence numbers.
Check that standard security, data protection, and accessibility requirements are included before purchase.
Negotiate prices and terms for routine purchases.
Keep a clear audit trail and publish contract award notices where the rules need them.
Analyse spend data to find off-contract spending and suggest better routes.

Skills

Skill	Expected level	What this level means
Procurement processThis reference	Working (2)	You can: run quotations and call-offs from frameworks using standard templates prepare tender documents and manage clarification questions on the e-tendering system keep a clear audit trail of each procurement
Purchase to payThis reference	Practitioner (3)	You can: run the purchase to pay process for a service, monitoring compliance and backlogs analyse spend data to find off-contract spend and savings improve the process and controls with finance colleagues
Public procurement rules and policyThis reference	Working (2)	You can: apply the procurement rules that fit a straightforward purchase publish notices and keep records that meet transparency rules spot when a request risks breaking the rules and raise it
Technology and cloud procurementThis reference	Working (2)	You can: buy standard software, hardware, and licences through frameworks track licence numbers, renewals, and true-up dates include standard security and data protection requirements in documents
Commercial negotiationThis reference	Working (2)	You can: negotiate prices and terms for low-value or routine purchases prepare data and options for a negotiation led by others
Market analysis and engagementThis reference	Awareness (1)	You can: find suppliers on frameworks and supplier databases explain why early market engagement must be fair to all suppliers
Creating value for moneyUK GDaD PCF	Awareness (1)	You can: clearly describe the value of your work determine or estimate the benefits your work is expected to deliver identify opportunities for reuse, saving time and money
Stakeholder relationship managementUK GDaD PCF	Working (2)	You can: identify important stakeholders and communicate with them clearly and regularly tailor communication to stakeholders' needs and work with them to build relationships while meeting user needs build and reach consensus with stakeholders work to improve stakeholder relationships using evidence to explain decisions
Information governance and data protectionThis reference	Working (2)	You can: apply data protection principles to your work contribute to data protection impact assessments handle information requests and records correctly

Typical qualifications and experience

A procurement qualification at certificate level, a procurement apprenticeship, or equivalent experience.
Experience of buying through quotations or frameworks.

Band 4 outline

Knowledge: Detailed knowledge of the work area, typically from a foundation degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience.
Autonomy: Works within guidelines; resolves most day-to-day problems; manager available for advice.
Scope: Own work and a defined service or process.
Leadership: May supervise a small team or coordinate others' work.
Accountability: Delivery of a defined service or process.

Job evaluation (illustrative)

Factor	Level	Level summary	Points
Communication and relationship skills	3	Gives routine information needing tact or persuasion, or complex or sensitive information, or straightforward training to groups.	21
Knowledge, training, and experience	4	A range of procedures, mostly non-routine, needing intermediate theory (for example a foundation degree or equivalent experience).	88
Analytical and judgemental skills	3	Judgements on a range of facts or situations needing analysis or comparison of options.	27
Planning and organisational skills	2	Plans straightforward tasks or activities, some ongoing.	15
Physical skills	3	Developed skills needing speed or accuracy, such as advanced keyboard use.	27
Responsibility for patient and client care	1	Helps patients, clients, or relatives during incidental contact.	4
Responsibility for policy and service development	2	Implements policies for own area and proposes changes to its practices.	12
Responsibility for financial and physical resources	3	Authorises payments, buys some assets or supplies, monitors or holds a delegated budget, or maintains assets.	21
Responsibility for people	1	Shows own work routines to new or less experienced colleagues.	5
Responsibility for information resources	3	Takes formal minutes, regularly writes reports or queries, or maintains information systems as a significant duty.	16
Responsibility for research and development	1	Carries out surveys or audits for own work; occasionally takes part in research or testing.	5
Freedom to act	2	Follows standard procedures and precedent; someone is usually available to ask; work may be checked.	12
Physical effort	2	Frequent sitting or standing in a restricted position, or occasional light to moderate effort.	7
Mental effort	2	Frequent concentration on predictable work, or occasional concentration on unpredictable work.	7
Emotional effort	1	Rare exposure, or occasional indirect exposure, to distressing circumstances.	5
Working conditions	2	Occasional unpleasant conditions, frequent travel or outdoor work, or near-continuous screen use on most days.	7
Total (Band 4: 271 to 325)			279

Financial resources is level 3 because the job buys supplies and services on behalf of budget holders.