Senior Buyer

Overview
Performs all duties associated with the acquisition of equipment, supplies, and services using an MMIS system. Assists Purchasing Manager with inventory management functions which support daily operations. Enforces purchasing policies. Communicates and coordinates with appropriate Managers, Supervisors, staff, and vendors for material acquisition. Works directly with physicians and/or construction project managers in support of strategic mission priorities. Makes recommendations for purchase of goods and services to, or as directed by, the Purchasing Manager or Supply Chain Directors. Reviews contracts and benchmark data as required. Utilizes supply chain tools in reviewing both current and new products and practices. Serves as department lead in absence of Purchasing Manager, ensures workflow is maintained.
Responsibilities

1. Obtains quotations and availability of supply items, benchmark data as needed. Communicates purchase orders to vendors. Expedites purchase orders as required. Follows up on overdue purchase orders routinely and upon request. Researches alternate sources of supply for back ordered items, reviews alternate contract items.
2. Collaborates with Network Supply Chain Contract analysts for local or specific contracs as needed/identified. Utilizes available tools to verify contract pricing and benchmark data to ensure cost effective purchases.
3. Reviews all capital purchase requests in Axiom system, distributes to appropriate buyers and completes network required purchase information in Axiom to finialize the documentation.
4. Responsible for accurate maintenance of all required purchase and item information in the Materials Management Information System. Adds new items to the system as required for EPIC and other needs, ensuring all GTIN, CDM and export information are approprately populated and recorded. Maintain records as per department protocol.
5. Continually exhibits ethical and prudent buying practices in accordance with established policies and procedures. Maintains confidentiality of contracts and prices.
6. Assists Purchasing Manager and other Department Managers in research and evaluation of materials, equipment, and services based upon quality, service, and cost. Assists with New Product Request reviews to ensure compliance with contracts, network standardization and/or appropriately FDA approved for use.
7. Operates the Materials Management Inventory Management System according to established procedures to ensure material replenishment occurs as required. Updates customer order guides as needed, works with Assistant Director of Supply Chain on stock item conversions/substitutions. Works with customers on product substitutions to ensure clinically acceptable.
8. Collaborates with customer, receiving and AP for vendor items returns, ensure credits received as appropriate.
9. Assists in resolving discrepancies in purchasing records identified by Accounts Payable or the customer. Works collaboratively with AP and other buyers to review, problem solve and clear items on the PO liability report.
10. Responsible for maintaining department security, answering phones, and directing customers and vendors. Assists other buyers as needed with workload balance, provide guidance and direction as needed.
11. Supports construction project managers, ensures all purchases and inventory needs are ordered to satisfy all project requirements and timelines.
12. Supports/assist Purchasing Manager with lease/service contracts as requested.
13. Proactively reviews and manages open order report to ensure customer/patient needs are met.

Qualifications

1. An Associate Degree or higher in a business major is required. Experience beyond minimum requirements may be considered in lieu of a degree.
2. Three years previous experience in purchasing is required; experience in a health care field preferred.
3. Must have excellent computer operation skills with emphasis on data entry and processing accuracy, competency in computer functioning, and knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database programs. As evidence of comprehension you will be required to pass the Word, Excel and Data Entry CVPH exams, as well as a general math test relating to the position.
4. Excellent clerical and analytical skills are required.
5. Must be able to set priorities with a minimal amount of direction.
6. Must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
7. Responsible for detailed and accurate information provided to customers and vendors with an emphasis on customer service.
8. Must be able to make quick and responsible decisions in order to solve problems in a timely manner.

As applicable, the individual has training/competency in attending to the special needs and/or behaviors appropriate to the age of the patients for which care is being provided.