JOB PURPOSE & MISSION
To provide the timely acquisition of items for assigned GHS facilities.
Essential Job Functions include, but are not limited to:
1. Processes purchase orders for assigned General Health System facilities.
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Screens requisitions to ensure proper authorization is included.
- Manage inventory of: Rentals: including, but not limited to cylinders, Bed rentals, wound vac rentals
- Ensures all information on purchase orders is accurate.
- Works with Accounts Payable department to resolve invoice discrepancies.
- Works with Vendors for any service or product needs.
- Processes returns to vendors, expediting credits and/or exchanges.
- Works with customer departments to communicate pertinent order information, and product substitution when necessary.
- Utilizes group-purchasing contracts in effect.
- Prepares requests for quotation as needed; assists with cost analysis of stocked merchandise.
- Reviews distributor websites for rejections and backorders.
- Communicates delays in product arrival with appropriate team member.
- Works with customer departments to arrange product substitution when necessary.
2. Performs all other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Experience
Required – Two years purchasing experience (health care related preferred).
Education
Required – High School diploma or GED
Preferred – Some advanced education
Certifications & Licensure
Required – none
Special Skills or Knowledge
Required – Working knowledge of established purchasing practices according to industry standards; must be highly computer literate
Preferred – knowledge of contracts/negotiations, ERP system (Premier or similar)
HIPAA & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
HIPAA - Maintains knowledge of and adherence to all applicable HIPAA regulations appropriate to Job Position including but not limited to: Patient demographics, patient related complaints, and information related to patient location.
SAFETY - Maintains knowledge of and adherence to all applicable safety practices appropriate to Job Position including but not limited to: Incident reporting, handling of wastes, sharps and linen, PPE, exposure control plans, hand washing, environment of care, and monitoring of clinical alarms.
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA & STANDARDS
Everyday Excellence Values - Employee demonstrates Everyday Excellence values in the day-to-day performance of their job.
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Demonstrates courtesy and caring to each other, patients and their families, physicians, and the community.
- Takes initiative in living our Everyday Excellence values and vital signs.
- Takes initiative in identifying customer needs before the customer asks.
- Participates in teamwork willingly and with enthusiasm.
- Demonstrates respect for the dignity and privacy needs of customers through personal action and attention to the environment of care.
- Keeps customers informed, answers customer questions and anticipates information needs of customers
Corporate Compliance - Employee demonstrates commitment to the Code of Conduct, Conflict of Interest Guidelines and the GHS Corporate Compliance Guidelines.
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Practices diligence in fulfilling the regulatory and legal requirements of the position and department.
- Maintains accurate and reliable patient/organizational records.
- Maintains professional relationships with appropriate officials; communicates honestly and completely; behaves in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner in all professional contacts.
Personal Achievement - Employee demonstrates initiative in achieving work goals and meeting personal objectives.
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Uses accepted procedures and practices to complete assignments. Uses creative and proactive solutions to achieve objectives even when workload and demands are high.
- Adheres to high moral principles of honesty, loyalty, sincerity, and fairness.
- Upholds the ethical standards of the organization.
Performance Improvement - Employee actively participates in Performance Improvement activities and incorporates quality improvement standards in his/her job performance.
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Optimizes talents, skills, and abilities in achieving excellence in meeting and exceeding customer expectations.
- Initiates or redesigns to continuously improve work processes.
- Contributes ideas and suggestions to improve approaches to work processes.
- Willingly participates in organization and/or department quality initiatives.
Cost Management - Employee demonstrates effective cost management practices.
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Effectively manages time and resources
- Makes conscious effort to effectively utilize the resources of the organization — material, human, and financial.
- Consistently looks for and uses resource saving processes.
Patient & Employee Safety - Employee actively participates in and demonstrates effective patient and employee safety practices.
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Employee effectively communicates, demonstrates, coordinates and emphasizes patient and employee safety.
- Employee proactively reports errors, potential errors, injuries or potential injuries.
- Employee demonstrates departmental specific patient and employee safety standards at all times.
- Employee demonstrates the use of proper safety techniques, equipment and devices and follows safety policies, procedures and plans.
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Healthcare Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 2+ years of purchasing or supply chain experience
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Healthcare/hospital experience preferred
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Experience with GPO contracts (Premier preferred)
- ERP system experience (Premier, Lawson, Workday, or similar)
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Proficiency in Excel
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Knowledge of PO processing, contract pricing, and item master data
- Knowledge of hospital supply chain operations
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Ability to manage vendors and resolve backorders and shortages
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Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
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Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-department environment
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Effective communication with clinical staff, vendors, AP, and Receiving
- CPSM, CPIM, or similar certification
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Experience with product substitutions, recalls, or ERP transitions
The Senior Buyer is responsible for the procurement of medical and non-medical supplies to support hospital operations. This role ensures timely and accurate purchasing, maintains contract compliance (Premier), and supports continuity of supply across multiple departments.
The Senior Buyer works closely with clinical staff, vendors, Accounts Payable, and Receiving to resolve purchasing issues, manage backorders, and maintain efficient supply chain operations. This position plays a key role in vendor management, product standardization, and responding to supply disruptions in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
