Buyer

Position Summary

The Buyer performs all duties related to purchasing medical, surgical, therapy, office supplies and minor equipment. Coordinates the purchase of materials, supplies and equipment for organization use. The Buyer assumes accountability and responsibility for ensuring that all supplies and minor equipment are procured and maintained so that they are available when needed, in the necessary quantity, quality and price to support the most efficient (low cost) and effective (meets department/CCOC needs) purchasing system possible.

Essential Job Functions/Accountabilities

Works and communicates with department personnel regarding purchase orders. Places purchase orders for medical products, office supplies, and minor equipment at the inpatient location; Communicates with requisitioning department to complete details and suggest alternates or substitutions, when appropriate; Serves as intermediary between supplier and requisitioning department to resolve any changes or problems regarding orders.

Generates non-stock purchase orders from electronic and paper requisitions, including bill-only purchase orders for implants; Processes special requisitions, such as rush orders and specific equipment requests. Edits, researches and reviews requirements of special requisitions; Manages back-ordered item on non-stock purchase orders and expedites orders as necessary to ensure that product is available when required.

Works with department personnel on product changes, product substitutions for backordered items, and new items for discontinued products at the inpatient location; Coordinates evaluation of new products and approval for substitute products for the inpatient location; Works with appropriate personnel establish new items and make changes to existing items in the Supply Chain system for the storeroom and all inpatient location departments, ensuring that all information is complete and accurate; Distributes product information to department heads, maintains catalog files and researches new products/services and vendors.

Utilizes the Supply Chain system proficiently and maintains accuracy within the system; Monitors purchase orders acknowledgments, researches price changes and makes appropriate changes to the purchase orders. Prepares appropriate documents for returns including recalled product. Tracks receipt of any credits that are due to CCOC and files documentation for future reference; Manages the invoice discrepancy process for all purchase orders for the inpatient location and ensures that the discrepancies are being addressed regularly and in a timely manner.

Attends meetings and prepares reports as requested; serves as a member of the safety committee. Assists department personnel with obtaining and filing SDS for new products and questions on ECRI Alerts and product recalls. Understands and utilizes the Group Purchasing Organization’s and other vendors’ websites for contract pricing. Processes correspondence and telephone calls to obtain quotes, delivery dates and other information; Assists with maintaining records of contracts, proposals, and pricing; Analyzes monthly usage reports and history files for cost efficiencies and areas to save money.

All other duties not specifically assigned.

Position Requirements

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in closely related field or equivalent work experience is preferred.

Experience: 3-5 years of healthcare purchasing and inventory control experience is required; Experience with Material Management contracts is required.

Technical Skills: Usage of a Supply Chain system is highly preferred. Must have a working knowledge of purchasing and inventory control policies and procedures. Must be computer literate with knowledge of database and spreadsheet applications and possess knowledge of purchasing practices, including bidding, financing and accounting. Must have skill in maintaining effective working relationships with staff and vendors and excellent analytical skills with knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations: N/A