Medical Buyer

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do — in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

Benefits Eligible

Work Shift

Department

QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Preferred: Two years of college with business courses.

Experience
Required: Three or more years of purchasing or medical experience.

Preferred: Two to five years of experience in an acute care hospital purchasing department.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Prior negotiating and communication skills.
Requires experience with a materials management information system, and electronic order entry is preferable.
Knowledgeable in word processing, spreadsheet, and a windows-based operating environment is preferred.
Knowledge of state and local codes related to fire and electrical safety and Joint Commission standards is preferred.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential

Analyzes prices, terms and conditions, discounts, conditions of delivery and suitability of materials. Obtains quotes and requests for proposals as needed. Utilizes GPO contracts as a first choice when appropriate.

Processes requisitions in a timely manner for supplies, equipment and services by reviewing information. Buyer must take a proactive approach by offering departments alternative sources of material acquisitions.

Assists the management team by meeting with clinical departments routinely to aid them with identifying opportunities to maximize their cost effectiveness as it pertains to medical supply expense. Assist customers with product selection and research.

Assists with the Operating Room, Sterile Processing, Endoscopy, and other medical departments with order placement.

Coordinates and manages the supplier base to ensure vendors are meeting the Kaweah Health needs relative to the timely delivery and availability of products. Routinely monitors vendor pricing to ensure costs are consistent with the Kaweah Health's contracts and MMIS data. Informs the management team of any necessary actions.

Creates purchase orders with vendors by the most appropriate means possible and in accordance with current policy, noting date placed, expected delivery date and pricing information on purchase order. Returns requisitions to appropriate department and informs department of back orders, delays in shipment, out of stock items and any change in product (i.e. packaging, price, product number, etc.). Troubleshoots problems with prices, terms and delivery for departments. Informs requesting department immediately.

Maintains professional relationship with all vendors and serves as a liaison between vendor representatives and Kaweah Health personnel through the use of our vendor management system.

Works with Shipping/Receiving staff on items being returned to vendor or items being shipped out for repair.

Resolves invoice problems with Accounts Payable.

Assists the management team with maintaining the integrity of information housed in the MMIS. Ensures accurate pricing and usage information. Coordinates changes when necessary. Assists with productivity reporting, performance improvement, product evaluation and other functions that require data gathering and record keeping. Reports the findings to the Director or various committees or departments as requested.

Addendum (essential for specific dept)

Additional

Participates in product evaluation activities relating to supply chain process improvement project by assisting with Value Analysis activities. Monitoring new initiatives, product conversions, adoptions of new technology and process improvements to promote savings, fiscal stewardship, standardization and patient safety.

Communicates, both in writing and verbally, in an effective and prompt manner with all perceived customers.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Pay Range

If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.