POSITION SUMMARY:
Reports to the Procurement Manager and is responsible for negotiating the procurement of materials, supplies, equipment, and services for his/her assigned hospital departments and/or commodity group. The objective is to ensure the materials, supplies, equipment and services are acquired from the most reliable and cost effective sources that meet the needs of the customer (department).
Position: Buyer- Full Time
Department: MM Purchasing
Schedule: Full Time
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:
- Develops and maintains communications with internal customers and vendors to ensure the needs of the department are met.
- Monitor results through complaints, and informal as well as formal customer satisfaction surveys.
- Procures materials, supplies, equipment and services for designated areas of the hospital within two days of receipt of purchase orders. Assists customers with researching product information, contacting vendors, obtaining price quotes, and negotiating costs.
- Composes purchase orders, verifies availability, establishes delivery dates, monitors back orders, expedites deliveries, and communicates status to customers.
- Consults with customers regarding supply needs and resolves any discrepancies.
- Coordinates product recalls, returns and expired items.
- Negotiates pricing for items with the approval of the Procurement Manager.
- Supports cost containment objectives by utilizing group purchasing contracts, encouraging product standardization, and recommending inventory containment opportunities.
- Enters data into the Material Management Information System.
- Performs as back-up for other buyers as required.
- Develops and/or recommends policies and procedures to achieve the goals and objectives of supply chain.
- Establishes and maintains professional, effective, and ethical relationships with customers and representatives of suppliers, distributors, manufacturers, and monitors quality of service provided.
- Responds to customer inquiries and/or needs within 24 hours in writing, orally, or through E-mail, copying the Procurement Manager on all responses.
- Meets with assigned departments on a periodic basis.
- Follows supply chain and hospital policies and procedures. Recommends modifying policies or exceptions are brought to the attention of management.
- Ensures material acquisition standards, safety standards, and quality assurance criteria are met 100% of the time.
- Participates in assigned committees and acts as a supply chain liaison, interfacing with other departments as required.
- Advances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, workshops, and reading current material management literature.
- Maintains criteria established for the O.R. functions and contract management.
- Additional customer and/or commodity specific criteria will be established and published as appropriate.
- Assists Accounts Payable personnel in the processing of invoices and resolves invoice and payment problems within 45 days.
- Utilizes hospital's Values as the basis for decision making and to facilitate the division's hospital mission.
- Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).
JOB REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:
- Bachelors plus 2 years relevant experience (or equivalent, i.e. HS/GED plus 6 + years relevant experience or Associates plus 4+ years
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:
- Professional certification in purchasing preferred
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Work requires a comprehensive knowledge of the procedures and systems used in purchasing in order to procure materials, supplies, equipment and services.
- Proficient with standard Microsoft programs and web browsers.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers and vendors.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
