A Buyer at Memorial Health processes and expedites purchase orders for supplies and equipment, verifying for, and securing the necessary approvals. Develops, maintains, and reconciles the associated records. Coordinates delivery schedules and resolves discrepancies directly with suppliers.  Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Quality, Integrity and Stewardship that support our mission, vision, and values.

Education:

• Education equivalent to graduation from high school or GED is required.
• Associate degree in business is preferred.

Experience:

• Three or more years of general business experience, preferably in a purchasing or customer service role. Health care experience is strongly preferred.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication, problem-solving, basic math, and customer relations skills.
• Possess a working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database computer application software. Experience with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access) is required. Lawson experience is a plus.
• Demonstrates sufficient computer knowledge to learn and become proficient with Lawson Supply Chain system properly.
• Ability to multi-task while working on multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work with internal customers and external vendors is required.

1. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Quality, Integrity and Stewardship that support our mission, vision, and values:

• SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I will put safety first in everything I do.  I will speak up, without fear, on matters of patient and colleague safety.  I will take action to create an environment of zero harm.

• QUALITY: Improve Outcomes -  I will continually advance my knowledge and skills.  I will seek out continuous improvement opportunities.  I will deliver evidence-based care that leads to excellence in outcomes.

• INTEGRITY: Show respect and Compassion  - I will respect others and show compassion.  I will behave honesty and ethically.  I will be accountable for my attitude, actions, and health.

• STEWARDSHIP: Reduce Waste - I will use resources wisely and maintain financial stability.  I will work together to coordinate care and services across the health system.  I will promote healthier communities.

2. Composes purchases orders, receives, and verifies electronic and/or paper requisitions for the purchase of supplies, material, service & equipment. Processes emergency requests to facilitate fastest delivery.

3. Places orders for products and supplies via EDI, internet, fax or telephone. Confirms orders and follows-up on open and back-ordered items. Works the daily reports to follow up on orders not confirmed by vendors.

4. Organizes and prioritizes new orders and determines realistic delivery dates based on suppliers’ ability to ship; notifies customer standard delivery times and any expected delays. Monitors all vendor order confirmation to identify variations in expected delivery time, pricing, or quantities.

5. Contacts external suppliers and/or company sales representatives to resolve issues regarding timeliness, quality, manufacturer back orders, product substitutions or quantity of purchased items.

6. Determines the appropriate vendor based on existing supplier relationships. Considers supplier responsiveness to MH cost considerations and delivery requirements.

7. Monitors the cost effectiveness of airfreight versus ground shipments and determines when expedited service is appropriate.

8. Utilizes Lawson and Crystal reports to monitor purchase orders, order confirmations, & open/back orders. Maintains the appropriate online and paper records and reports for historical and auditing purposes.

9. Reviews, and modifies purchase orders, order confirmations, and editing orders. Ensures that all order confirmation comments are copied & pasted into the Lawson PO comment field.

10. Monitors and identifies product pricing variations and reports discrepancies to management or other staff for resolution. Works with Accounts Payable and/or Supply Chain Data Specialist on pricing discrepancies (cost messages).

11. Provides product changes to Value Analyst and/or Contract Manager regarding unit of measure changes, price changes, & supplier/manufacturer changes for the Lawson database. Assists in maintaining data base accuracy, security, confidentiality, and data integrity.

12. Processes a variety of reports related to the daily Purchasing Operations. Identifies issues related to the report or raw data and resolves routine matters and refers more complex issues to Value Analyst for resolution.

13. Coordinates the resolution of orders/backorder issues with other Buyers or Value Analysis staff.

14. Cross trains other team members as needed and provide staff coverage when other Buyers are absent. Trains department staff on on-line systems, such as OfficeDepot, Lawson/RQC, specialty bed ordering, credit card ordering, reprocessed product ordering, capital ordering, GHX order confirmations, etc.

15. Assists end users and departments with purchasing procedures and training in Lawson RQC/online ordering.

16. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.