Pharmacy Buyer

Northern Light Health

Department: Pharmacy - EMMC

Position is located: Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center

Work Type: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Schedule: No Hours Assigned

Summary:

Manages inventory of drugs and other supplies for the Hospital pharmacy areas. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: identify cost savings opportunities associated with drug procurement and inventory, process wholesaler invoices for payment, provide training and support to technicians, adhere to hospital and departmental policies regarding vendors, 340B program and drug procurement, manage drug transfers and non-formulary purchases, communicate with pharmacy personnel regarding drug shortages/recalls and coordinate annual inventory

Responsibilities:

• Performs self-evaluation at merit review Assures coverage for order responsibilities
• Maintains good working relationship with co-workers
• Assits in orientation/training of students, technicians and pharmacists
• Meets routinely with pharmaceutical companies and wholesale representatives ensuring good working relationship and open communication.
• Initiates the ordering of all pharmaceuticals, biologicals, and non-pharmaceutical items and places order on a daily basis using electronic order entry procedures.
• Special orders/handling to maintain supplies of critical items
• Orders to replenish stock to predetermined levels and independently adjusts par as needed to prevent outs
• Maintains knowledge of manual billing procedures
• Assists billing technician and other pharmacy personnel as needed
• Purchases all pharmaceuticals following defined policies and procedures
• Monitors correct contract items and prices
• Works with wholesaler to maximize purchasing systems efficiencies and maximize cost effectiveness
• Maintains quality control files on all backorders, shortages and/or recalls
• Assists with updating of all purchasing policies and procedures
• Stores and maintains quality control storage conditions for pharmaceuticals received
• Conducts continuous surveillance over dated products; rotating, exchanging and replacing as needed
• Maintains pharmacy inventory records of all direct and wholesale account items
• Maintains controlled substance procurement records
• Maintains records of all drugs to be returned or credited due to outdates, decreased use, damages or incorrect shipment
• Provides usage data to managers as needed
• Maintains all computer, electronic or technical equipment associated with job duties
• Updates written procedures for use of all equipment
• Initiates updates, posts all supplies and transactions to inventory control records; i.e.., new products, epic numbers, stock levels, shortages/recalls
• Maintains adequate inventory control
• Assists in the conduction of annual inventory of materials and pharmaceuticals
• Ensure optimum purchasing through use of Novation Contracts, individual contracts and preferred pricing arrangements for the Organization
• Identifies cost savings opportunities through drug procurement processes
• Controls, approves, and reconciles purchases from and by outside institutions
• Obtains and maintains PTCB Pharmacy Technician certification
• Maintains knowledge base by participating in at least 6 pharmacy staff inservices annually

Other Information:

Competencies and Skills

• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

Education

• Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)

Working Conditions

• Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
• Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Prolonged periods of walking.

Brewer, Maine, Corporate Office, Cianchette, Foundation, Finance, Human Resources, Legal Services