Purchasing Agent

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for managing the procurement process, for their assigned areas, by maintaining purchase orders and contracts using strategies that will result in the best possible combination of quality, service and total cost for the Hospital. Maintains the data base for the Materials Management Information System.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s Degree required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.        
• 2-5 years of progressive purchasing experience required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in the related field and equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of required experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Must be able to facilitate meetings and lead teams effectively, analyze information, apply quantitative analysis tools, negotiate with outside vendors and manage contracts.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Power Point and advanced proficiency in Excel.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

• Oversees required processes (e.g. purchase orders, requisitions, equipment, bids and quotes for the purpose of acquiring necessary resources to support operations.
• Leads negotiations for assigned areas of responsibility.
• Manages purchasing and value analysis project from start-up through completion.
• Submits requests for competitive quotations when dictated by industry standards, judgment or required by Hospital policy.
• Compiles data from a wide variety of sources for the purpose of analyzing  issues ensuring compliance with a wide variety of purchasing policies and procedures.  Includes data regarding competitive bids and new group contracts to present the buying options to their Manager with facts to support the options.
• Tracks vendor performance by interfacing with the supplier representative regarding specification, costs, inspections and similar problems relating to Hospital requirements.
• Assesses supplier quality and manages supplier development programs.
• Determines potential vendors to be solicited for bids or negotiations.
• Maintains the database as assigned for the Materials Management Information System; initiates all data changes for their assigned areas, ensures information is current, enters contract information, provides activity reports to the Director and generates productivity and quality reports for their assigned areas.
• Responds to inquiries from a variety of internal and external sources for the purpose of providing information, direction and/or appropriate referrals.
• Communicates contractual requirements and procurement procedures to assigned areas and to the Purchasing staff.
• Works with the end users to resolve problems and to make or suggest improvements to the Manager and advises Manager of unresolved problems.
• Leads in attending or facilitating procurement related meetings involving assigned areas.
• Responsible for facilitating the Value Analysis Team to which they are assigned.
• Responsible for coordinating capital budget activities.
• Coordinates the Purchasing Associates work, which includes performance coaching and feedback.
• Identify and maintains procurement strategies, suggests new initiatives, develops long term procurement strategies, improve procurement processes and practices, and target cost savings and cost avoidance.
• Analyze business metrics to identify industry and Hospital procurement trends.

• Assist with training new employees regarding responsibilities and department policies and procedures.
• Complete required training as assigned.
• Complies with Hospital and department policies, work rules and requirements.
• Adheres to patient privacy policies and procedures, maintain confidentiality.
• Adheres to the Making Ellis Exceptional (MEE) Behaviors & Standards and AIDET (Acknowledge, Identify, Duration, Expectation, Thank) and initiate, promote, and support change initiatives.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The position can be in or out of doors under normal working conditions.  Should be able to push/pull, lift/move 35 lb., be able to perform moderately difficult manual manipulations such as using a keyboard, writing, and filing for extended periods of time, must be able to perform tasks which require hand-eye coordination such as data entry, typing and using photo copiers.  Mobility requirements may include the ability to be stationary at a workstation for a prolonged period time in addition to being able to squat or be mobile for a reasonable length of time and distance.  Communication requirements include the ability to comprehend the spoken English language in addition to being able to communicate and read the English language.

Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest, or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, or domestic violence victim status.

Salary Range:  $23.40-$33.93     /hour                   Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.