Pharmacy Purchasing Agent

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Job Description

General Summary:    

This position will serve the Medical Center as an authorized agent to purchase pharmaceuticals supplies and associated equipment for the Pharmacy.  Responsibilities include product pricing negotiations, product usage analysis, product recommendation, and vendor relations management.  The Pharmacy Purchasing Agent will service the Medical Center staff and its patients in a timely and ethical fashion.  The Pharmacy Purchasing Agent will report to the Pharmacy Business Operations Manager.

Essential Job Functions:

• Meet and works with appropriate pharmacy personnel to develop and maintain an understanding of the role purchasing plays within the Medical Center and the Pharmacy department.

• Develops and maintains inventory management processes and cost controls with Pharmacy departments such as order templates, product standardization, stockless/JIT distribution, etc, ensuring accurate and timely deliveries of supplies.  Conducts in-service training for user departments related to the procurement system and processes.

• Maintains automated dispensing device operations including the monitoring of par levels and on hand inventory supplies, utilizing data and reports in the decision making process.

• Coordinates activities involved with and negotiates final pricing for the procurement of goods and services including equipment, service contracts, and supplies for the organization utilizing Supply Chain systems and processes.

• Provides pharmacy and/or the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee with requested product information, cost and analysis. Works with Pharmacy and/or the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee to implement and maximize Premier agreements including pharmaceutical products, capital equipment, service contracts, facilities planning and development projects.

• Assures the organization is achieving functional business integration and maximal contract utilization for GPO pharmaceutical contracts, direct vendors, and 340B purchases and achieving cost savings through full participation in all qualified area.

• Collaborates with finance, nursing, and pharmacy to coordinate white-bagged medication delivery from Specialty Pharmacies and assist with obtaining prior authorizations as directed.

• Identifies and reports to management actual product savings, potential savings opportunities and process efficiencies that support the overall goals of the Pharmacy and Purchasing departments, and Lurie Children’s in supply chain automation and consolidation programs.  Utilizes various tools including Lawson, Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) tools, EDI management tools, and Microsoft PC based tools in the effective management of inventory processes.

• Ensures timely deliveries to meet customer demand while maintaining fiscal budget integrity.  Manages supply and equipment trials with the customer departments.  Assists departments with the return or repair of necessary merchandise or equipment.

• Works closely with Pharmacy Clinical Director and Pharmacy Operations Director in management of drug shortages.

• Works closely with the Pharmacy Storeroom Lead Technician in keeping the Pharmacy Storeroom organized.

• Works closely with the Accounts Payable department staff to resolve invoice discrepancies utilizing system reports and processes ensuring timely and accurate payment of purchase order invoices.

• Responsible for and coordinates all pharmaceutical and drug recalls for the Medical Center and off-site facilities.

• Promotes quality service through problem-solving skills that foster positive communication and interpersonal relationships with medical center staff.

• Performs job functions adhering to service principles with customer service focus of innovation, service excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, families, co-workers and others.

• Other job functions as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: