Buyer

With over 150 years of caring for our community and each other in the Washington DC area, Howard University Hospital has a world-renowned reputation for high-quality, patient-centric care. Howard University Hospital is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a Historically Black University and has created a superior learning environment, with groundbreaking research and positive patient outcomes.

Howard University Hospital seeks to hire a Buyer who will embrace our reach and historic tradition of excellence. If you want to make a difference in someone’s life every day, consider a position with a team of professionals who are doing just that, making a difference.

Buyer:

• Canvasses all available sources for the best price through present and future purchasing of medical supplies and services including Veterans Administration (VA), Government Services Administration (GSA), Group Purchasing Organization, etc.
• Confirms price, quantity, packaging, product information, delivery date, shipping, and terms while placing orders to ensure Purchase orders accuracy.
• Assists in sourcing viable substitute products as needed when ordered items are confirmed to be on backorder or discontinued; requests substitute product information, pictures, specs, and/or coordinates for vendor of substitute product to speak with end user for end user to make decision if substitute is acceptable.
• Evaluates vendor quotes and services to determine most desirable suppliers. Validates new vendors credentials, request Certificate of Insurance and BAA as required.
• Communicates with departmental representatives, and suppliers as it relates to over-shipments, delivery shortages, and changes in quantity, delivery dates, and price discrepancies. Report such changes and adjust purchase orders accordingly in a timely manner as required.
• Works with Accounts Payable to reconcile any differences as it relates to the purchase order and invoice presented for payment. Assists with bid evaluations for capital purchases, and the ability of the vendor to deliver products, equipment and services. Tracks documents as required by Finance Department to meet audit requirements.
• Maintains a general knowledge of the purchasing module in an MMIS
• Assumes other duties and responsibilities that are related and appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and are not to be considered as all-inclusive.
• Promotes adherence to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, the Howard University Code of Ethics and the Health Sciences Standards of Conduct.
• Attends annual and periodic mandatory Compliance Program training including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy training.
• Participates in activities that promote adherence to federal healthcare program requirements.
• Actively participates in Health Sciences Compliance Program activities
• Adheres to the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of patients, families, and staff.
• Knowledge of Purchasing policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computer applications to receive and process electronic reports entering information essential in ordering supplies and equipment.
• Ability to handle and resolve customer inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
• Ability to work independently, develop appropriate, effective and efficient methods of completing assignments. Adapt and respond to changing priorities.
• Ability to prepare and maintain up-to-date Purchasing records. Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and negotiation skills.
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft office applications and MMIS.

A qualified candidate will possess:

• Bachelor’s Degree in field or related area or equivalent in experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ work experience in purchasing or related environment.

At Howard University Hospital our job is to care for you. We do this by offering:

• Work-life balance
• Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
• Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans offered (including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403B retirement plan)

COVID-19 Vaccination:
Howard University Hospital requires all external applicants to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before commencing employment. External Applicants may be required to furnish proof of vaccination and, if offered, may elect to be vaccinated at a designated Howard University Hospital location.