Supply Chain Specialist (Entry Level) – OR Material Management

Mercy Hospital St. Louis | Full-Time | 40 Hours/Week | Days

Position Overview

Mercy Hospital St. Louis is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Supply Chain Specialist to join our OR Material Management team. This critical role supports a fast-paced, 24/7 perioperative environment, ensuring surgical teams have the supplies, equipment, and linen necessary to deliver exceptional patient care.

The Supply Chain Specialist will utilize supply chain software systems to order, receive, stock, distribute, and manage inventory throughout multiple hospital locations. This position is responsible for maintaining PAR inventory levels, supporting daily operational readiness, and serving as a key partner to clinical departments. The specialist will also assist with training and mentoring new team members while promoting process improvements and excellent customer service.

Why This Role Matters

OR Material Management is dedicated to supporting:

• Main Operating Rooms
• Heart Hospital Operating Rooms
• Ambulatory Surgery Units
• Recovery Rooms
• Minor Procedure Areas

The team manages over 5,000 supply items and plays a vital role in ensuring uninterrupted patient care by:

• Building and maintaining surgical case carts
• Supporting trauma and emergency procedures
• Receiving and stocking inventory
• Managing supply replenishment and inventory control
• Delivering urgent supplies to perioperative teams

This position directly impacts surgical efficiency, patient safety, and organizational readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Management & Supply Replenishment

• Order, receive, and distribute medical supplies using Mercy supply chain systems.
• Maintain and adjust PAR inventory levels to meet patient care needs.
• Monitor inventory and replenish stock as needed.
• Process returns and manage inventory-related transactions.
• Ensure accurate supply counts and inventory documentation.
• Run supply chain reports and assist with basic inventory analysis.

Stocking & Distribution

• Receive and verify products for accuracy and quality.
• Stock supplies in designated storage and PAR locations.
• Rotate inventory to minimize waste and expired products.
• Maintain package integrity and sterility requirements.
• Deliver supplies accurately and efficiently throughout the hospital.
• Stock specialty carts and support case cart readiness.

Linen Management

• Maintain linen inventory at established PAR levels.
• Stock linen closets, exchange carts, and blanket warmers.
• Ensure linens meet quality and safety standards.
• Manage linen deliveries, replenishment, and inventory tracking.
• Support automated delivery systems and department technology as applicable.

Customer Service & Department Support

• Provide exceptional service to clinical and operational departments.
• Communicate effectively with staff, leaders, and customers.
• Respond to urgent supply needs, including trauma and emergency situations.
• Serve as a liaison between Supply Chain and clinical departments when needed.

Technology & Systems

• Utilize supply chain software systems to manage inventory and transactions.
• Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Adapt to new technologies and workflows.
• Assist with troubleshooting hardware and software issues.

Training & Leadership Support

• Assist with onboarding and training new team members.
• Support departmental huddles, in-services, and process education.
• Serve as a resource for ordering, stocking, and distribution processes.
• Participate in projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow hospital safety, infection control, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a safe work environment.
• Ensure supplies and equipment are managed according to established procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Experience

• Two (2) years of direct healthcare supply chain experience; OR
• Demonstrated competency in healthcare supply chain operations, inventory management, logistics, or related operational support roles

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Computer proficiency and ability to learn supply chain technologies
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet operational demands

Preferred Qualifications

Experience

• Experience in a hospital, surgical services, or perioperative environment
• Experience supporting inventory, logistics, materials management, or supply distribution operations

Certifications

Preferred certifications include:

• Certified Materials & Resource Professional (CMRP)
• Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

What You'll Bring

• A commitment to Mercy's mission of compassionate care
• A team-first mindset
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Reliability and accountability
• The ability to support clinicians by ensuring critical supplies are available when needed

Join Mercy

At Mercy, you'll be part of a team that directly contributes to outstanding patient care every day. If you are looking to begin or grow your healthcare supply chain career in a dynamic environment where your work truly makes a difference, we encourage you to apply.