Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist

The Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist is responsible for coordinating workflow and services related to drug and equipment/supplies procurement processes. Activities include but are not limited to the following responsibilities: purchasing, inventory, distribution and record keeping for medications for the Pharmacy Department, initiating purchase orders for pharmaceuticals and supplies, receiving and distribution of supplies, processing purchase requisitions, authorizing payment for wholesaler invoices, maintaining adequate inventory levels, providing inventory action and communication relative to shortages, recalls, alternative product source and selection. Serves as a resource person for product and vendor information, and group purchasing contracting. Collaborates with hospital departments as necessary for medication ordering, inventory, distribution and record keeping.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Oversees medication and pharmaceutical supply purchasing processes including procurement of medications and other pharmaceutical supplies, working with hospital wholesaler, vendors, and freight companies, managing medication recalls and conducting annual medication inventory.

· Maintains all purchase records, invoices, receipts and inventory control records.

· Understands the laws and legal requirements for both control and non-control medication storage, disposal, and dispensing.

· Coordinates drug procurement operations and inventory management to ensure critical drug availability, accurate inventory value assessment, compliance to 340B, optimized inventory turnover, and minimized drug expirations.

· Generates purchasing and inventory reports as requested by departmental leadership.

· Assists in managing influenza and other vaccine supply including temperature logs as necessary.

· Maintains oversight of emergency supplies and kits.

· Manages price changes and AWP price updates.

· Coordinates inventory to resolve/manage backorders, shortages or recalls and secures acceptable product alternatives when necessary. Evaluates and adjusts par levels in response to ongoing utilization, shortages, waste and critical needs.

· Maintains pharmacy information systems, electronic drug dispensing system technology and other computerized or automated hardware and software used in the procurement, preparation or distribution of pharmaceuticals and related supplies.

· Have strong knowledge of Microsoft Office programs; specifically Word and Excel.

· Strong time management and stress management abilities.

· Strong understanding of brand and generic medication names.

· Ability to demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness.

· Ability to lift large, heavy items; approximately 12 liters worth of fluid or up to and including 50 pounds.

· Perform routine pricing negotiations, with existing suppliers, for the purchase of goods. Seek cost reduction opportunities with new and existing suppliers.

· Assist departments in utilizing existing contracts, locating sources for supplies and finding alternative products.

· Expedite or alternatively source urgently needed products that do not meet agreed upon delivery dates. Update purchase orders with accurate arrive dates, product availability and backorder status. Advise suppliers and internal customers of lead times, shipping errors and back orders.

· Resolve disputes between hospital and suppliers to the satisfaction of both. Resolve pricing, unit of measure, quantity and other issues to ensure order accuracy and timely payment of supplier invoices

· Participate in process improvement projects and initiatives. Take ownership of departmental processes.

· Assure compliance with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)

· Oversee the pre-booking and management of vaccines.

· Conduct price audits

· Maintain records of Controlled Substance Ordering Systems (CSOS)

· Collaborate to provide premier customer service to colleagues and internal customers.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

· Knowledge of general technician duties and able to assist staff when necessary, including but not limited to:

o Assists the pharmacist with the preparation and dispensing of medications; includes unit dose packaging, medication runs, filling medications, and patient cart fill.

o Monitoring stock of the automated dispensing machines; includes restocking the inventory daily and checking for outdates.

o Preparing clinic medication orders for delivery to the outlying clinics

o Monitoring floor stock medication use; includes refilling and outdating inventory.

REQUIREMENTS

· Certified Pharmacy Technician licensed in the State of Michigan or be in the process of receiving licensure in the State of Michigan.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· High school graduate or equivalence degree with completion of one to two years of college.

· Successful completion of technician training program and national Pharmacy Technician Certification.

· Advanced purchasing experience in healthcare and/or with a healthcare provider preferred but not required.

· Possesses knowledge of pharmacy information systems preferred.

· Follow instructions and respond to management direction.

· High attention to detail.

· Successful completion of computer skills, IV compounding, and mathematical tests.

· Exemplary attendance required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Prescription drug insurance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25