Pharmacy Buyer- Full Time Days

JOB SUMMARY

At Houston Methodist, the Pharmacy Buyer 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 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.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 20%

1. Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. (EF)
2. 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. (EF)

SERVICE - 20%

1. 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. (EF)
2. Receives, processes, and arranges timely payment for invoices for all products acquired through pharmacy. (EF)
3. Attends committee meetings as appropriate to disseminate pertinent supply chain issues (i.e. P&T, MUFE, etc.). (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 20%

1. 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. (EF)
2. Reviews RASMAS recalls on a daily basis and takes appropriate actions accordingly. (EF)
3. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of vendor contracts. Resolves and notifies management of contract, purchasing, and/or supply issues and opportunities. (EF)

FINANCE - 30%

1. Reviews all drug orders and takes actions necessary to assure vendor selection complies with optimal contractual advantages. (EF)
2. Manages price changes and average wholesale price (AWP) updates. Ensures orders match price quotations and price changes are in accord with contract terms. (EF)
3. 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. (EF)
4. Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Recommends solutions in achieving departmental objectives. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 10%

1. 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. (EF)
2. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Pharmacy Buyer.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

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

o Two years of college preferred

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

o Three years of relevant pharmacy and/or purchasing experience required

o Experience in healthcare and working with vendor contracts highly preferred

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED

o Texas Pharmacy Technician Registration

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

o Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

o 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

o 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

o Advanced level of knowledge of the procurement process experience in a hospital or related field

o Possesses proficient computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, but not limited to, word processing software applications

o 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

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Attire Yes/No

Uniform No

Scrubs Yes

Business professional Yes

Other (dept approved) Yes

On-Call* Yes, on a regular basis (for Non-Exempt or Exempt jobs)

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

Travel**

May require travel within No

Houston Metropolitan area

May require travel outside No

of Houston Metropolitan area

**Travel specifications may vary by department.

Please note any other special considerations to this job: All pharmacy staff are required to be trained on the risks and safe handling of hazardous drugs; and confirm in writing an understanding of the potential reproductive risks associated with handling hazardous drugs