Pharmacy Buyer

At Houston Methodist, the Pharmacy Buyer position is responsible for completing a variety of activities related to the drug procurement process which includes but is not limited to reviewing medication purchase orders, assessing contract compliance, identifying alternative product selections, and facilitating procurement of pharmaceuticals and related supplies. This position coordinates automated ordering systems and supports the efforts to consolidate and promote economies of scale. Additional duties for the Pharmacy Buyer position include conducting research and analysis of providers, identifying alternative sources, resolving supply issues with vendors, and ensuring all purchasing activities are performed in accordance with purchasing policies and procedures.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
• Two years of college preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Three years of relevant pharmacy and/or purchasing experience
• Experience in healthcare and working with vendor contracts highly preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• LPHT - Licensed Pharmacy Tech - State Registration - Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation_PSV

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Advanced level of knowledge of the procurement process experience in a hospital or related field
• Possesses proficient computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, but not limited to, word processing software applications
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results.
• Collaborates with staff members and vendors to resolve backorder issues and/or secure acceptable product substitution as needed to achieve identified patient specific goals. Negotiates with HM departments to utilize existing items as applicable.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in negotiations for pricing, terms, service, additions to current contracts, and delivery of pharmaceuticals. Monitors wholesaler performance and reports discrepancies to recover lost monies.
• Receives, processes, and arranges timely payment for invoices for all products acquired through pharmacy.
• Attends committee meetings as appropriate to disseminate pertinent supply chain issues (i.e. P&T, MUFE, etc.).

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Evaluates the use of off-contract and/or non-formulary purchases and ensures adequate justification exists for such purchases. Reviews all drug orders to assure vendor selection complies with optimal contractual advantages.
• Reviews RASMAS recalls on a daily basis and takes appropriate actions accordingly.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of vendor contracts. Resolves and notifies management of contract, purchasing, and/or supply issues and opportunities.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews all drug orders and takes actions necessary to assure vendor selection complies with optimal contractual advantages.
• Manages price changes and average wholesale price (AWP) updates. Ensures orders match price quotations and price changes are in accord with contract terms.
• Borrows and loans medications when stockouts occur. Prepares, records and reconciles monthly required information of borrows and loans with hospitals involved and routinely clears outstanding balances.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Recommends solutions in achieving departmental objectives. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works with wholesaler to manage automated ordering and inventory control systems. Looks for opportunities to create economies of scale and areas to streamline supply chain processes. Assists with special projects to reduce costs and consolidate processes.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Pharmacy Buyer.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
• Two years of college preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Three years of relevant pharmacy and/or purchasing experience
• Experience in healthcare and working with vendor contracts highly preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• LPHT - Licensed Pharmacy Tech - State Registration - Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation_PSV