Pharmacy Buyer

Job Description:

The Pharmacy Inventory Coordinator is accountable for meeting all purchasing, receiving, inventory, and returning requirements for drugs and medical or surgical supplies in select hospital, community, or SCC pharmacies. This position manages activities related to the pharmacy inventory procurement caregiver processes. The incumbent works with Supply Chain pharmacy buyers to ensure optimal levels of pharmaceuticals and supplies are available at the best appropriate cost. The incumbent communicates and coordinates information relating to drug shortages and other supply challenges to the medication policy and outcomes team and appropriate key stakeholders.

This shifts for this position will be Monday-Friday, 7:30AM-4PM. No Holidays, No weekends.

As a Pharmacy Buyer, you need to know how to:
Be responsible for procurement and inventory control of pharmaceuticals, supplies and equipment in an efficient and effective manner by establishing systems which minimize stock outages, maximize inventory turnover, and maximize adherence to health system contracts.
Monitor and manage pharmaceutical and supply shortages and acquire pharmaceuticals and supplies from appropriate alternative sources in accordance with laws and regulations. Effectively communicate shortages and other market changes to key stakeholders.
Return expired pharmaceuticals and supplies to the returned goods vendor, properly dispose of other unusable pharmaceuticals per established procedures in accordance with laws and regulations, and identify and retrieve all recalled pharmaceuticals and supplies including proper disposal or return per manufacturer and FDA instructions and maintain documentation on actions taken.
Monitor and report on utilization and purchasing trends to ensure optimal inventory management and contract compliance. Assist with billing and auditing functions and database maintenance.
Possess knowledge of 340b pharmaceutical purchasing program and support of 340b compliance (if applicable to care site).
Maintain, replace and charge inventory supplied to other departments and clinics. Effectively work with outside agencies/facilities to coordinate borrowing and purchasing of pharmaceuticals in emergency situations in compliance with policy and regulations.
Maintain all records of acquisition, costs, purchase orders, and contract items.
Coordinate annual physical inventory as required by the health system and laws and regulations, and ensure that pharmaceuticals and supplies are stored in a secure, organized manner under the appropriate storage conditions to maintain their quality/integrity and minimize retrieval errors.
Develop and participate in quality improvement activities of the department, especially those designed for cost management and efficient workflow.
Perform pharmacy technician and other duties as required/assigned.
Maintain competence required for current job title/position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Current Pharmacy Technician certification (CPhT) or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire and must be maintained during employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pharmacy Procurement Experience: Demonstrated experience in procuring medications and supplies for a healthcare facility
• Inventory Management: Proven ability to manage and maintain inventory levels, identify and set PAR levels, and keep deadstock to a minimum
• Knowledge of Medication Assistance Programs: Experience managing medication assistance programs, helping patients access necessary medications
• Sterile Compounding Skills: Basic knowledge and experience in sterile compounding, with the ability to assist with compounding when required
• Familiarity with 340B Drug Pricing Program: Understanding and experience with the 340B drug program (a federal program allowing qualifying hospitals and clinics to purchase prescription drugs at a discount, ensuring compliance with the program and maximizing benefits
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of healthcare regulations and standards, ensuring all procurement activities comply with relevant laws and guidelines along with clean room environmental monitoring
• Data Management: Proficiency in managing and analyzing data related to inventory, procurement, and medication assistance programs.

This position offers flexible scheduling. The pharmacy buyer will collaborate closely with the pharmacy team to ensure the availability of medications and supplies for patients with scheduled infusi