Purchasing Specialist - Children's & Women's Hospital

Overview

USA Health is Transforming Medicine along the Gulf Coast to care for the unique needs of our community.

USA Health is changing how medical care, education and research impact the health of people who live in Mobile and the surrounding area. Our team of doctors, advanced care providers, nurses, therapists and researchers provide the region's most advanced medicine at multiple facilities, campuses, clinics and classrooms. We offer patients convenient access to innovative treatments and advancements that improve the health and overall wellbeing of our community.

Responsibilities

Assists with the administering and directing of programs to purchase materials, supplies, and equipment for health system use according to defined purchasing procedures; handles complex vendor issues to include standing orders and blanket Purchase Orders; assists in training/orienting new staff; reviews all purchase requisitions for completeness and appropriateness; returns incomplete/inappropriate requisitions to the originating department with an explanation; reviews items being ordered for contract adherence and standardization; routes completed, appropriate requisitions for purchase order generation; generates purchase orders in health system materials management system; transmits/communicates all purchase orders generated to the appropriate vendor, confirms receipt, and addresses exceptions; assists with expedition of orders to prevent stock-outs by reviewing and working the daily stock-out report, reviewing and working open PO report weekly, and obtaining substitute products as necessary; maintains the item catalog within the materials management system; maintains familiarity with GPO contracts for their vendors and is a reliable source for product information and GPO contracts; consults and acts as a resource to department personnel to resolve discrepancies or assist them in preparing requisitions for special orders and determine the quality, effectiveness, and durability of products purchased; works with Accounts Payable to ensure vendor payment terms are met and credits are being processed; works with Receiving on receipt issues; acts quickly to address vendors not including required information such as packing slips or references to purchase order number; meets target metrics for invoice exceptions, open purchase orders, and purchase order confirmations; assists clinics with pharmaceutical orders and maintains familiarity with pharmaceuticals; recommend substitutes and coordinates vaccine purchases; communicates and uses appropriate customer relation skills with vendors, healthcare team and staff in person, over the telephone, and via email correspondence; maintains accurate and complete records to include: Purchase Orders, requisitions, quotes, and contracts; assists with maintaining office filing system; maintains back order spreadsheet for assigned vendors; completes all mandatory department and health system educational requirements; utilizes cost effective practices in performing all aspects of the job; adheres to current infection control and safety standards; adheres to polices including confidentiality; adheres to all HIPAA compliance protocols ensuring patient health information is protected; regular and prompt attendance; ability to work schedule as defined and additional hours as required; related duties as required.

Employees must be in a regular position, working 20 hours or more per week (.50 FTE or greater) to qualify for benefits.

Additional Information

Employees must be in a regular position, working 20 hours or more per week (.50 FTE or greater) to qualify for benefits.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and four years of directly related experience. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution as approved and accepted by the University of South Alabama will substitute for the required experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis.

EO Employer – minorities/females/veterans/disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.