Senior Buyer

The Senior Buyer plays a critical role in executing complex procurement activities, managing key projects, and supporting strategic sourcing initiatives within Beacon Health System. This position is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of purchase orders, optimizing contract utilization, and providing analytical support to drive cost savings and operational efficiencies. The Senior Buyer works collaboratively with clinical, financial, and operational stakeholders, as well as vendors, to ensure seamless purchasing processes aligned with Beacon Health’s values of trust, respect, integrity, and compassion.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Strategic Procurement & Contract Optimization

• Execute procurement of supplies, equipment, and services in compliance with system contracts, purchasing policies, and budgetary guidelines.
• Participate in vendor negotiations to secure favorable terms and pricing.
• Support the expansion of system contract usage and contract compliance across sites, identifying opportunities to drive savings, compliance and customer satisfaction.

Project & Process Management

• Lead or contribute to cross-functional projects focused on cost reduction, standardization, or process improvement, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Follow value analysis processes and engage stakeholders from all sites in alignment with strategic sourcing objectives.
• Maintain complete documentation for contracts, agreements, and savings initiatives per departmental guidelines.

Item & Formulary Management

• Collaborate with clinical, financial, and materials teams to support item creation and maintenance within the item master and formulary systems.
• Prepare item data including unit of measure, pricing, and GL codes for submission to the data governance team.

 Analytical & Financial Support

• Perform procurement-related analyses including lease vs. buy comparisons and spend benchmarking.
• Provide analytical support for value analysis meetings, including identifying savings opportunities and presenting benchmarked data.

Technology Adoption & Staff Support

• Utilize advanced procurement tools and web-based platforms as part of daily operations.
• Assist in onboarding and supporting staff in learning and utilizing new supply chain technologies.

Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement

• Serve as a liaison with clinical departments, physicians, and vendors to resolve procurement discrepancies and gather input for RFP processes.
• Participate in vendor performance evaluations by contributing data and insights for use in scorecarding and contract reviews.

Process Improvement & Issue Resolution

• Investigate root causes of procurement and invoice discrepancies and implement corrective actions that improve system-wide efficiency.
• Recommend and support adoption of new workflows, tools, and practices that enhance purchasing operations.

Specialized Focus Areas

• May perform targeted purchasing responsibilities for specialized functions such as Prime Distributor, depending on assignment.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, healthcare administration, or a related field preferred. Equivalent work experience may be considered.  Three to five years of progressive experience in purchasing, supply chain, or materials management, ideally within a healthcare setting. Prior experience with ERP systems (e.g., PeopleSoft) and advanced procurement tools preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of procurement and contracting practices, including strategic sourcing and vendor negotiation.
• Excellent analytical and financial skills with experience conducting cost analyses and savings projections.
• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate with clinical, operational, and external stakeholders.
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on data accuracy and documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems.
• Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving ability, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Working Conditions 

• Primarily office-based with periodic travel to clinical or operational areas as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Requires extended periods of computer use and occasional lifting or handling of supply samples and documentation.