Purchasing Agent Pharmacy

Under the Direction of the Support Services Pharmacy Manager, the Pharmacy Purchasing Agent is responsible for all inventory management activities. The Purchasing Agent will maintain adequate stock of medications and supplies, maximize purchasing contract compliance, provide effective cost management, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Procures medications and supplies based on established or projected inventory needs

• Demonstrates extensive knowledge and use of wholesaler (Cardinal), inventory software requisitioning (Lawson), and automated dispensing systems (Pyxis)
• Carries out rules and regulations pertaining to the professional policies of the pharmacy department and ensures compliance with State and Federal regulations including but not limited to activities in compliance with DSCSA (Drug Supply Chain and Security Act)
• Communicates in real time shortages of medications or changes in medication stock availability or changes in vendors when there is a significant change in appearance or concentration
• Perform daily checks of critical supplies and obtain emergency medications and supplies as needed
• Coordinates the receiving, unpacking and storing of medications and supplies in appropriate locations and under proper storage condition
• Processes and arranges for final disposition of unusable medication and supply inventory from outdates, recalls, returns, and discontinuations
• Oversees addition and/or deletions of medications to inventory based on formulary changes
• Maintains invoicing for all drug and supply accounts, including pharmacy charges
• Analyze, review, and fulfill inventory requests from hospital outpatient and ambulatory clinics
• Manages loan/borrow policy of the department
• Assists the Recall Coordinator with product recalls that affect areas of responsibility
• Prepares Pharmacy Department for annual inventory

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred, including courses in purchasing, business law, economics or marketing.

Five years experience in a hospital pharmacy; two years' experience as a pharmacy buyer in a health care facility.

Interpersonal skills necessary to develop cooperative working relationships with a wide variety of personnel and vendors when placing, expediting, verifying order and resolving purchasing discrepancies.

Or a comparable level of education and experience.

Certified Pharmacy Technician

Excellent organizational skills

Meticulous with respect to attention to detail and accuracy