Pharmacy Buyer

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Pharmacy Buyer, you will be instrumental in managing the acquisition and inventory of all pharmaceuticals and related supplies, ensuring that our pharmacy is consistently stocked to meet patient care needs. Every day, you will meticulously manage purchasing orders, negotiate with vendors, and track inventory levels for a wide range of medications, including controlled substances. You'll critically assess usage trends, identify opportunities for cost savings, and ensure compliance with purchasing agreements and regulatory requirements. To excel in this role, you must possess a strong analytical mind, be adept at negotiation and financial management, and enjoy forecasting and proactively solving supply chain challenges. You should continually look for ways to optimize inventory, reduce waste, and build strong vendor relationships, all while enhancing the efficiency and reliability of our medication supply.

Job Requirements

Required

- High school diploma or GED equivalent

- Two (2) years of pharmacy experience required, preferred in a hospital setting

- Registered Pharmacy Tech in the state in which the employee works

- Knowledge of current health system pharmaceutical practice as relates to non-pharmacy and pharmacy purchasing, receiving, stocking, inventory and delivery

- Knowledge of the standards, practices and tools relative to inventory control, purchasing and contract compliance

- Knowledge of the standards and regulatory requirements applicable to pharmacy and non-pharmacy purchasing

- Knowledge of the functionality and application of Pharmacy computer system(s)

- Knowledge of the sources and availability of medications, biotechnology products, pharmaceutical supplies and equipment and related items

- Ability to effectively document all activities in accordance with policies

- Ability to identify and resolve discrepancies in a timely and effective manner

- Ability to read, understand and communicate in English sufficient to perform the duties of the position

- Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an acceptable level

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by the duties of the position

Preferred

- Graduate of ASHP accredited pharmacy technician program, Associate degree, or equivalent experience

- Pharmacy experience of at least three (3) years of pharmacy experience with a history of pharmacy procurement

- Active CPT-EXCPT or CPT-PTCB or CPHT certification in good standing in the state in which the employee works as required by the state

Where You’ll Work

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health brings together two award winning health systems in Washington state - CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason. As one integrated health system with the most patient access points in western Washington our team includes 18,000 staff and nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health you will find the safest and highest quality of care provided by our expert, compassionate medical care team at 11 hospitals and nearly 300 sites throughout the greater Puget Sound region.