Pharmacy Purchasing Agent

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

Job Description

General Summary: 

This position will serve the Medical Center as an authorized agent to purchase pharmaceuticals supplies and associated equipment for the Pharmacy. Responsibilities include product pricing negotiations, product usage analysis, product recommendation, and vendor relations management. The Pharmacy Purchasing Agent will service the Medical Center staff and its patients in a timely and ethical fashion. The Pharmacy Purchasing Agent will report to the Pharmacy Business Operations Manager.

Essential Job Functions:

• Meet and works with appropriate pharmacy personnel to develop and maintain an understanding of the role purchasing plays within the Medical Center and the Pharmacy department.
• Develops and maintains inventory management processes and cost controls with Pharmacy departments such as order templates, product standardization, stockless/JIT distribution, etc, ensuring accurate and timely deliveries of supplies. Conducts in-service training for user departments related to the procurement system and processes.
• Maintains automated dispensing device operations including the monitoring of par levels and on hand inventory supplies, utilizing data and reports in the decision making process.
• Coordinates activities involved with and negotiates final pricing for the procurement of goods and services including equipment, service contracts, and supplies for the organization utilizing Supply Chain systems and processes.
• Provides pharmacy and/or the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee with requested product information, cost and analysis. Works with Pharmacy and/or the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee to implement and maximize Premier agreements including pharmaceutical products, capital equipment, service contracts, facilities planning and development projects.
• Assures the organization is achieving functional business integration and maximal contract utilization for GPO pharmaceutical contracts, direct vendors, and 340B purchases and achieving cost savings through full participation in all qualified area.
• Collaborates with finance, nursing, and pharmacy to coordinate white-bagged medication delivery from Specialty Pharmacies and assist with obtaining prior authorizations as directed.
• Identifies and reports to management actual product savings, potential savings opportunities and process efficiencies that support the overall goals of the Pharmacy and Purchasing departments, and Lurie Children’s in supply chain automation and consolidation programs. Utilizes various tools including Lawson, Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) tools, EDI management tools, and Microsoft PC based tools in the effective management of inventory processes.
• Ensures timely deliveries to meet customer demand while maintaining fiscal budget integrity. Manages supply and equipment trials with the customer departments. Assists departments with the return or repair of necessary merchandise or equipment.
• Works closely with Pharmacy Clinical Director and Pharmacy Operations Director in management of drug shortages.
• Works closely with the Pharmacy Storeroom Lead Technician in keeping the Pharmacy Storeroom organized.
• Works closely with the Accounts Payable department staff to resolve invoice discrepancies utilizing system reports and processes ensuring timely and accurate payment of purchase order invoices.
• Responsible for and coordinates all pharmaceutical and drug recalls for the Medical Center and off-site facilities.
• Promotes quality service through problem-solving skills that foster positive communication and interpersonal relationships with medical center staff.
• Performs job functions adhering to service principles with customer service focus of innovation, service excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, families, co-workers and others.
• Other job functions as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or Accounting and two (2) years of hospital pharmacy purchasing experience preferred, or minimum of five years of experience as a pharmacy technician in a hospital setting with extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical products.
• Licensed or license-eligible Pharmacy Technician in the State of Illinois preferred.
• Ability to work independently and professionally with the organization.
• Organizational and work planning skills to manage independent projects.
• Analytical skills necessary to develop and execute a variety of financial and operational analyses.
• Ability to communicate complex technical issues in a clear concise manner to individuals in writing and to communicate ideas, conclusions, etc. orally to all levels of the Medical Center.
• Problem solving skills to manage challenges and develop and execute long term improvement plans.
• Must be computer literate with ERP applications such as Workday, Peoplesoft, SAP and Microsoft applications such as Word and Excel.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (Required)

Pay Range

$54,600.00-$89,273.60 Salary

At Lurie Children’s, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions. In addition to base salary, Lurie Children’s offer a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives for select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the following link to learn more about our benefits.

Benefit Statement

For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employer paid group term life and disability

Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave

403(b) with a 5% employer match

Various voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability
• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
• Tuition assistance
• Student loan servicing and support
• Adoption benefits
• Backup Childcare and Eldercare
• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities
• Discount purchasing program

There’s a Place for You with Us

At Lurie Children’s we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints — recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.

Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Support email: candidatesupport@luriechildrens.org

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