Buyer

Procurement Specialist

Procure materials, equipment, and services while consistently following the department policies and practices. Purchase order creation and follow-up, product standardization, and contract compliance will be a major focus along with providing customer service to both internal and external parties.

What You Will Do:

• Finds the most efficient and appropriate method to fill an order, while maintaining the best value for Avera and complying with procurement requirements and policies. Analyzes purchase requisitions, ensures requesting documentation is complete and advises end users on the most efficient and appropriate method to fill the order, while maintaining the best value for Avera and complying with procurement requirements and policies.
• Create purchase orders using Meditech and ensures accuracy of purchase and vendor data. Transmit purchase orders to suppliers by the most effective and efficient method. (Fax, Phone, EDI, etc.) Confirms purchase order is received by vendor and manages follow up.
• Performs procurement functions from purchase to delivery maintaining the perfect order process, ensuring purchase orders are delivered to the correct location, on time, undamaged, at the correct price, with the correct quantity on the first attempt. Utilizes standard procurement methods; which must include the research of possible sources for the item/service, documentation of sole or single source supplier condition, etc. and subsequent collection of information to ensure the best value and compliance with policies and procedures and applicable regulations.
• Performs follow-up and expediting of purchase orders to ensure timely delivery, including emergency orders of critical patient care items, to deliver quality service with needed materials to patients. In the event of backorders, work with staff and vendor to identify suitable replacement for use.
• Analyzes the invoice matching and receiving reports to determine problem invoices and works with both vendors and the customer to assist in resolving issues. Coordinates with suppliers, logistics, and contracting departments to ensure pricing integrity on purchase orders and Item Master updates are accomplished to minimize invoice discrepancies.
• Drafts reports for Procurement that is directed by the Purchasing Manager. Attends assigned meetings with departments, vendors, customers, contracting, and value analysis and logistics staff to ensure communications are open and mutually informative.
• Performs an integral role in product standardization throughout Avera by researching and directing end-users to the appropriate products and drive contract compliance. May provide information and participate in various committees in order to recommend product evaluation, standardization, and cost reduction or savings. Work with Accounts Payable to ensure that product is being procured through the proper purchasing channels and works to enforce compliance.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in purchasing by attending seminars or workshops, reading professional journals, and actively participating in professional organization and integrates this knowledge as appropriate into the job.
• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer (internal and external) satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor and implements and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals and mission of the organization.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the Supply Chain/Purchasing area. Assist in the development of effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding of and timely resolution of any identified issues. Maintains purchasing expertise and professional competency to serve as a resource for personnel within the hospital. Interacts with hospital employees to determine needs for goods and services. Ensures that purchasing is done through established contracts. Maintains purchasing expertise and professional competency to serve as a resource for personnel.

Essential Qualifications:

• The individual must be able to work the hours specified. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily including having visual acuity adequate to perform position duties and the ability to communicate effectively with others, hear, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds. These requirements and those listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions, as long as the accommodations do not cause undue hardship to the employer.

Preferred Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:

• Bachelor's
• 3-5 years experience in healthcare supply chain

Expectations and Standards:

• Commitment to the daily application of Avera's mission, vision, core values, and social principles to serve patients, their families, and our community.
• Promote Avera's values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship.
• Uphold Avera's standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) with enthusiasm and sincerity.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work effectively in a team environment, coordinating work flow with other team members and ensuring a productive and efficient environment.
• Comply with safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards associated with, but not limited to, CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA if applicable.

Benefits You Need & Then Some:

• PTO available day 1 for eligible hires.
• Free health insurance options, for full-time single coverage on Avera High Deductible Health Plan
• Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement
• Career development guided by hands-on training and mentorship