Buyer I

Position Title:

Buyer I

Department:

Supply Chain

Job Description:

The Buyer I is responsible for processing and follow through on all purchasing requests for all supplies, services, and equipment; ensuring all orders are processed in an accurate and timely manner; identifying and sourcing viable substitute products to minimize the impact of backorders on our customers; ensuring that price discrepancies are resolved to avoid delays in product delivery to customers; identifying, reporting, and resolving issues related to supplier accounts, credit holds, price, packaging, and recalls; and maintaining a high level of communication with Supply Chain teams, suppliers, and organization departments.

Essential Responsibilities

Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position.

• Processes all assigned purchase requests in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with established Supply Chain policies and procedures.

• Processes all approved electronic requisitions for assigned vendors/cost centers within one business day.

• Reviews Open Receipts (OREC) report weekly and follows up with suppliers on orders with missing or expired due dates.

• Validates receipt of purchase order confirmations for all assigned orders, reviews purchase order confirmations to address any shipping delays and eliminate service failures.

• Expedites delivery of open purchase orders, communicating updates in accordance with established Supply Chain policies and procedures.

• Establishes and maintains a high degree of communication, cooperation, and customer service with assigned departments regarding purchases, backorders, and available substitutions.

• Works with suppliers to create and maintain shipping accounts for facility delivery locations.

• Communicates issues with customer shipping accounts to Purchasing Manager to ensure that online requisitioning, EDI, and ERP supplier accounts are correct and optimized.

• Communicates required item file changes to price, unit of measure, and product code to Strategic Sourcing through utilization of tracking tools established in accordance with policies and procedures.

• Identifies supplier resources and obtains quotes for hospital departments with assistance and direction.

• Processes return to supplier requests from hospital departments and obtains Return Material Authorizations (RMA) for return of goods to supplier, providing return instructions to ordering  departments and Supply Chain Receiving personnel.

• Communicates information regarding supplier recalls, account changes, acquisitions and mergers to appropriate Supply Chain and Accounts Payable personnel in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Works closely with Accounts Payable team to resolve match exceptions/invoice discrepancies.

• Identifies and communicates requisitioner training needs through daily interaction and refers hospital employees to Purchasing Manager for additional requisitioner training.  Provides Job Aids to assist requisitioners in training and development.

• Assists Accounts Payable team with credit hold resolution through purchase order modification, and/or communication with supplier representatives.

• Supports all projects related to procurement processes, ensuring efficient implementation and consistent follow through to achieve desired results.

• Maintains relationships with suppliers and supplier representatives to assist in follow up, tracking, and proof of delivery of open purchase orders.

• Reports item unit of purchase and/or packaging errors on par replenishment orders to appropriate inventory control team members and Purchasing Manager.

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General Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for Level I:

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required

Experience Requirements

• No prior work experience required.

License/Certification/Registration Requirements

• None required.

Minimum Qualifications for Level II:

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required. 

Experience Requirements

• 3 or more years work experience in Supply Chain or healthcare procurement.

License/Certification/Registration Requirements

• None required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Requirements

• Ability to understand and analyze data to drive performance.

• Oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.

• Proven ability to solve complex problems effectively and manage multiple high priority deliverables.

• Proven ability to establish and maintain long-term customer relationships, building trust and respect by consistently meeting and exceeding expectations.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of Supply Chain procurement functions.

• Experience in healthcare industry supplies, supply chain processes preferred.

• Ability to convey messages logically, simply, and with confidence.

• Ability to apply tools and processes to successfully manage the collection and analysis of data.

• Ability to foster vendor relationships that will drive toward a successful partnership.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

• Basic level knowledge in Microsoft Excel.

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OU Health is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more. We know that a total benefits and compensation package, designed to meet your specific needs both inside and outside of the work environment, create peace of mind for you and your family.