As part of the procurement function, the buyer is responsible for strategically reducing acquisition costs within defined categories of hospital spend and serves as a primary procurement point of contact to all departments/staff at Connecticut Children's and all affiliates and subsidiaries of CCMC Corporation. Buyer seeks to reduce expenditures through effective supplier negotiations, cost modeling, and leverage volume pricing discounts. The procurement team is primarily responsible for procuring supplies, equipment, goods, associated maintenance/service contracts.

PROCESSING ORDERS: Creates, confirms, and expedites all purchase orders for assigned departments. Assists end-users with sourcing products and services and actively responds to special requests for items needed for patient care. Reviews purchase orders regularly to ensure pricing, units of measure, and delivery dates align with the purchase orders and meet the department's requirements. The buyer will resolve receipts, returns, product quality, backorders, shipping, and invoicing issues. Works with accounts payable to ensure proper and timely payments through communication with vendors and reconciles invoicing issues. Lastly, maintains professionalism and ethical relationships with all vendor representatives and conducts business according to established principles and guidelines.

CONTRACT AND ANALYSIS: Reviews spend analysis to ensure adherence to contract when appropriate and assists in conversion to compliant products. Stays current on existing contracts and pricing agreements with vendors and monitors the accuracy of item pricing information, contract updates, and changes to the item master. Assists procurement manager and Product Evaluation and Value Analysis team (PEVA) with purchasing activities, including identifying and implement cost reduction initiatives and addressing regulatory issues related to inventory management and procurement.

COMMUNICATION/ADMINISTRATIVE: Verifies electronic requisitions for proper approvals, appropriate use of item, contract pricing, manufacturer, and prime vendor distribution channel. The buyer obtains vendor information (W9 form) for a new vendor setup. Maintains the preferred vendor list and reviews purchase orders to verify compliance with approved vendors. Manages backorder and substitution requirements and action plans to ensure clinicians have the necessary supplies to maintain patient care levels. Also facilitates and maintains the open order list and close loops on communication with endusers.

Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education Required: High School Diploma required.

Education Preferred: An undergraduate degree in supply chain management, business administration preferred.

Experience Required: Minimum three (3) years in purchasing or related experience required.

Experience Preferred: Prior experience working in healthcare procurement preferred.

LICENSE and/or CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

Certified Materials and Resource Professional Certification preferred (CMRP) – may be required as part of continuing education efforts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external customers. Familiarity with purchasing methods, supplier partnership, inventory control, shipping, receiving, and accounts payable, as well as contract terms and conditions, procurement, regulations, policies, and procedures.

SKILLS:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer). Ability to navigate and manage multiple information systems, including ERP system (Lawson), electronic data exchange system (GHX), and other databases (Omnicell).

ABILITY:

Ability to interact respectfully with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts to offer ideas, identify issues, obtain information, or deliver services. Provide a high level of customer service to patients, staff, and external customers in a professional, service-oriented, respectful manner using active listening and problem-solving.