Supply Chain Buyer

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

Under general direction, the Buyer reviews, regulates, and purchases material, equipment, general/specialties supplies and services in accordance with purchasing regulations, audit controls, corporate procedures and policies. Responsible for generating purchase orders, placing and expediting orders, responding to back orders and vendor or customer errors, and collaborating with finance to help assure timely payments to vendors. Must also support customers with the sourcing of supplies and equipment. Serves as primary information resource for departments on supplies and equipment. Develops and maintains necessary records and files for efficient operation. Must be able to communicate with all levels of management and staff.Job Description Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Associates degree in business, logistics, supply chain management, business administration or related field; In lieu of degree, two (2) years of supply chain management, procurement or purchasing preferably in healthcare environment

Licenses/Certifications: 

• Licenses and certifications will be dependent on assigned area:
• Certified Materials & Resource Professional (CMRP) through the American Hospital Association preferred
• GHX Order Center certification preferred for Materials Management departments
• Current clinical certification and/or license for buyers supporting clinical areas

Experience/ Knowledge/ Skills:  

• Three (3) years of purchasing experience, preferably in healthcare
• Clinical experience highly preferred for areas such as: operating room, pharmacy, cardiac cath lab, imaging etc
• Must be able to work independently with no supervision
• Strong computer skills, must demonstrate the ability to navigate Lawson, GHX Order Center, Pyxis or current system in place at the assigned department
• Must be able to communicate effectively through phone and email, provide excellent customer service, negotiate effectively, be highly organized, strong analytical skills, pay attention to detail and execute tactical plans
• Possesses understanding of contracts and inventory management
• Exhibited follow through, organizational skills, problem solving skills, and able to set priorities
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and adapt to changes in workload and work schedule

• Effective oral and written communication skills

Principal Accountabilities

• Places orders to vendors for requested medications, supplies and/or equipment. 
• Obtains appropriate approvals and maintain related records. 
• Assigns requisitions to purchase orders. In assigned areas it will require to provide bill only purchase orders for supplies and/or equipment for entire campus adhering to corporate policies and procedures.
• Enforces vendor management policies and ensures all vendors have current credentialing and are vetted prior to conducting business.  Must be able to convey to all levels of management and staff protocols, procedures and policies. 
• Follows up with vendors to ensure they meet required delivery dates.
• Ensures timely delivery of materials, services, equipment, and general/specialty supplies; conducts research, follow-up and problem resolution as required. 
• Verifies assigned invoices and resolve discrepancies; process paperwork for payment. 
• Obtains prices from price lists, catalogs and vendors; assist users with pricing for budgeting purposes.
• Communicates with vendors to place orders and resolve invoicing problems.
• Develops relationships with colleagues and customers, gain the cooperation of others, and effectively communicate complex information.
• Identifies and maintain potential cost savings.
• Recommends actions to eliminate problems in delivering services, supplying customers, or implementing policies.
• Addresses all backorder and be proactive in obtaining substitutions with assistance from the management team; prompt communication to the staff on alternative items.
• Addresses all recalls through (RASMAS) on a timely manner
• Understands, interprets and follow through with the 340B program. 
• Utilizes Pyxis reports to communicate issues to staff regarding product shortages and recalls. 
• Works closely with management regarding nursing Pyxis to ensure compliance, nurse training and troubleshooting issues. 
• Partners with operating room management to assist with proper management and documentation of human tissue, bovine, and procine products to ensure patient documentation compliance per Joint Commission requirements.
• Understands inventory management, including inventory turns.
• Works with approved vendor to address expired medications.
• Verifies and communicates with staff on products that are look-alike-sound-alike.
• Maintains, logs and communicates to staff regarding product shortages and recalls.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann's service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.

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