Our Purchasing Agents play a vital role in ensuring PACHS departments have the supplies, equipment, and resources needed to provide exceptional patient care. As a Purchasing Agent, you will manage the procurement of stock and non-stock items, maintain inventory levels, and support efficient supply chain operations throughout the organization. You will work closely with hospital departments, clinic staff, vendors, freight carriers, and leadership to ensure timely ordering, delivery, and distribution of supplies while supporting cost-effective purchasing practices.
In this role, you will serve as the primary buyer for storeroom supplies, maintaining inventory levels, par levels, and item master records. Responsibilities include creating and processing purchase orders, placing orders through various purchasing platforms, monitoring vendor schedules and delivery timelines, receiving and verifying shipments, managing back orders, and ensuring compliance with purchasing contracts. You will perform cost comparisons, assist with supply standardization initiatives, coordinate repairs and returns, and communicate product availability and delivery updates to departments across the organization.
Your responsibilities include maintaining accurate purchasing records, documenting pricing and inventory changes, updating purchasing logs and item master files, and ensuring all purchasing activities are completed accurately and efficiently. You will assist with storeroom operations by filling requisitions, issuing supplies, maintaining inventory systems, conducting supply expiration checks, and supporting annual physical inventory activities. In the absence of the Purchasing Director, you will help ensure uninterrupted purchasing and storeroom operations. You will also support departmental policies, safety procedures, and organizational initiatives while contributing to a clean, organized, and professional work environment.
This role requires strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Candidates must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, proficiency with computer systems including Microsoft Excel and Word, and the ability to maintain accurate records and inventory data. A high school diploma is required. Previous purchasing, inventory control, warehouse, or materials management experience is preferred, with healthcare supply experience strongly desired. Successful candidates are dependable, self-motivated, customer-focused, and committed to supporting the mission and values of PACHS.
PACHS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial stability, and professional success.
- Two medical plan options (PPO and HDHP) with no-cost preventive care
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Employer HSA contributions for HDHP participants
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Dental insurance with 100% preventive coverage
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Vision coverage
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Discounted membership to the Arthur & Audrey Smith Wellness Center
- Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS)
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Employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance
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Optional voluntary life insurance
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Employer-paid Short-Term Disability
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Employer-paid Long-Term Disability
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Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness coverage
- PTO begins accruing on your first day
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PTO cash-out program available up to four times per year
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Holiday Club payroll savings program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering 24/7 confidential counseling, financial coaching, legal support, and more
Palo Alto County Health System is the healthcare hub of choice in Northwest Iowa, committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care supported by a culture of teamwork, respect, and compassion. PACHS provides a family-oriented and supportive workplace where employees feel valued, appreciated, and empowered to grow professionally. When you join PACHS, you join a mission-driven team dedicated to caring for our community and for one another.
