Buyer

JOB SUMMARY

At Houston Methodist, the Buyer position is responsible for providing high level purchasing services relating to the purchase of goods and services for Houston Methodist (HM). This position procures supplies and services to meet department demand in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner. The Buyer position performs complex procurement functions in compliance with HM policies and procedures, and state and federal laws. This position supports procurement activities for non-inventory, asset and non-asset inventories, non-clinical, clinical and ancillary departments across the system for hospital and non-hospital business units. The Buyer position maintains a high level of communication with customers regarding order status, backorders and sourcing information as it oversees the full Purchase Order Lifecycle, from requisition through payment. This position works closely with internal customers, Strategic Sourcing and Clinical Value Analysis, Supply Chain Operations and Accounts Payable teams.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 20%

1. Provides support, guidance, time-sensitive escalation, reporting and solutions for procurement activities, establishes and fosters relationships across departments to meet customer needs, and communicates effectively with internal customers, suppliers, peers and leadership on system related topics and issues. (EF)
2. Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. (EF)

SERVICE - 30%

1. Provides Purchasing and Sourcing Process Management throughout the Purchase Order Lifecycle, as well as expertise, educational support, and analysis to internal customers, including review of standard, specialized, and complex requisitions for specification completeness, data accuracy, and contract compliance. (EF)
2. Oversees order placement and serves as liaison between suppliers and internal customers regarding order status, backorder, and alternatives sourcing information. EF)
3. Continuously reviews open purchase orders, communicates open purchase order status, and obtains order confirmations and tracking to ensure timely delivery of orders. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 10%

1. Evaluates existing procurement processes through the analysis of order/spend history, Electronic Data Interchanges (ED), and Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) and local contract to make informed decisions and provides recommendations to drive process, quality, service and financial improvements. Participates in and leads projects that support the organization (EF)
2. Advises and educates internal customers, peers, and suppliers on policies and procedures. (EF)

FINANCE - 20%

1. As part of Purchase Order Lifecycle Management, facilitates problem solving, with all parties involved to ensure consistency in requisitions, purchase orders, receipts, invoices, and purchase order closure process. (EF)
2. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritizes department daily tasks. Uses resources effectively and efficiently; does not waste supplies. Contributes towards department financial targets on unit-based scorecard through timely documentation, optimizing efficiency and other areas according to department specifications. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 20%

1. Maintains core competency in systems and applications, adapting when new processes, tools and systems are implemented, and manages competing demands in a productive manner to ensure timely and accurate issuance of deliverables. Maintains an understanding of healthcare market product procurement, suppliers, and manufacturers. (EF)
2. Seeks opportunities to identify development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan (MDP) on an on-going basis. (EF)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

o Bachelor’s degree or additional four years of experience in addition to the minimum experience required below in lieu of degree

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

o Three years of supply chain management experience

o Hospital or healthcare setting experience preferred