Buyer, Pharmaceuticals

At HealthFirst, our relentless dedication to saving lives drives us forward every day. With an impressive track record of approximately 1,000 lives saved annually and a remarkable total of 52,000 lives saved throughout our storied history, we make an undeniable impact. Each life saved is far more than a statistic; it represents the cherished connection between loved ones, family members, and dear friends. We stand resolute in our commitment and determination to make a lasting impact.

JOB OVERVIEW: 

Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, the Buyer is responsible for ensuring merchandise fulfillment to distribution centers through effective vendor relationship management, performance monitoring, and contract compliance.  Responsibilities include forecasting, order placement, resolving supply issues, and coordinating with finance and other departments. The Buyer will also negotiate vendor terms, manage certifications, and support inventory and supply processes in a regulated environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Participate in the negotiation of vendor pricing, terms, and discounts, and manage vendor certification requirements
• Generate purchase orders for both inventory and non-inventory items and send a copy of the purchase order to the supplier and the department originating the request.
• Resolve supply problems with vendors to minimize risk with production capabilities.
• Confer with suppliers concerning late deliveries and expedite, as necessary.
• Reconcile any billing discrepancies between A/P and suppliers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors, obtaining forecasts and translating them into accurate internal order projections to ensure optimal inventory management.
• Monitor and report vendor performance by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and providing regular feedback to vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Manage Vendor Relationship Management (VRM) by establishing and maintaining strong supplier relationships, facilitating communication between internal teams and vendors and addressing performance issues.
• Generate, review, and distribute reports to internal and external teams as required.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as required.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:  

• Direct purchasing/buying background within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, or other highly regulated industry
• Vendor management and vendor relationship management experience 
• Proficient with Word, Excel, and Great Plains
• Anticipate future trends
• Ability to work through ambiguity of data
• Good decision-making skills
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional partners and suppliers
• Good negotiating skills
• Broad knowledge of SKU optimization process

 GENERAL SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:  

• Professional skills with an understanding of industry practices and company policies and procedures.
• General proficiency with tools, systems, and procedures.
• Good planning/ organizational skills and techniques.
• Problem solving skills.
• Good writing and communication skills.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills.
• Good decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.

MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE:  

• Typically, 2 to 4 years of related professional experience.
• Prior pharma or related industry experience required. 
• Prior buying/purchasing experience within the pharmaceutical industry (not just general procurement experience) is a plus.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:  

• Bachelor's Degree or global equivalent in related discipline.

TRAVEL / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Travel typically less than 10%. Office/Remote environment. No special physical demands required

The posted range for this position is $56,604 - $88,443 annually which is the expected starting base salary range for an employee who is new to the role to be fully proficient in the role. Many factors go into determining employee pay within the posted range including education, prior experience, training, current skills, certifications, location/labor market, internal equity, etc. 

At the time of this posting, this position is eligible for a bonus not reflected in the posted range subject to the achievement of the plan.

BENEFITS: Other benefits available include: Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage, 401K Plan with Company Match, FTO, Work Life Assistance Program, & Educational Benefits. 

HealthFirst is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability that can be reasonably accommodated without undue hardship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, citizenship, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.