Inventory Specialist

Position Summary The Inventory Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end management of pharmaceutical and supply inventory for a long term care (LTC) pharmacy serving skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), assisted living communities (ALCs), and hospice programs throughout Arizona. This role ensures uninterrupted medication availability by maintaining appropriate par levels, executing compliant purchasing practices, and upholding the highest standards of supply chain integrity. The Inventory Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Pharmacist in Charge and collaborates closely with pharmacy staff, procurement vendors, and drug wholesalers. This position is an in office position. Key Responsibilities Purchasing & Procurement Place timely and accurate orders for oral, injectable, and intravenous medications, as well as all related supplies, with authorized drug wholesalers and vendors. Ensure purchasing decisions are aligned with contracted formulary and group purchasing organization (GPO) agreements to optimize cost of goods sold (COGS). Monitor drug availability, substitutions, and backorder alerts; proactively communicate impacts and secure alternative sources as needed. Coordinate with the Pharmacist in Charge for approval of off-contract purchases when necessary, documenting rationale for compliance purposes. Maintain vendor relationships and stay informed of pricing changes, contract renewals, and manufacturer updates. Receiving & Stocking Inspect all incoming shipments for accuracy, completeness, and product integrity; reconcile purchase orders against packing slips and invoices. Report and document discrepancies, damaged goods, or cold-chain deviations promptly and follow established procedures for returns or credits. Store all received products according to manufacturer requirements, USP standards, and applicable Arizona state board of pharmacy regulations, including appropriate temperature-controlled storage for refrigerated and frozen items. Rotate stock using first-in, first-out (FIFO) methodology to minimize waste and ensure product freshness. Maintain organized, clean, and clearly labeled storage areas for oral medications, injectables, IV solutions, packaging materials, and labels. Inventory Management & Par Levels Establish, monitor, and continuously refine par levels for all inventory categories based on historical usage, patient census, and seasonal trends specific to SNF, ALC, and hospice populations. Conduct regular cycle counts and scheduled full physical inventory audits; investigate and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner. Minimize out-of-stock events and service failures by anticipating demand, identifying trends, and proactively adjusting reorder points. Manage slow-moving and excess inventory to reduce waste and carrying costs while maintaining service levels. Maintain accurate, real-time inventory data to support operational decision-making. Pharmacy Information System (PIS) Management Enter, update, and maintain all inventory records in the pharmacy information system with a high degree of accuracy, including product details, quantities, lot numbers, expiration dates, and storage locations. Process purchase orders, receipts, adjustments, and returns within the PIS in accordance with established workflows. Generate and analyze inventory reports including usage reports, cost-of-goods summaries, expiration reports, and service level metrics. Collaborate with pharmacy IT and vendor support to troubleshoot system issues and participate in system upgrades or transitions as requested. Compliance & Regulatory Responsibilities Ensure all purchasing and inventory activities comply with applicable federal and Arizona state pharmacy laws and regulations, including DEA requirements for controlled substances inventory. Monitor product expiration dates and initiate timely removal and proper disposal or return of short-dated and expired medications and supplies. Respond promptly to drug recalls, safety alerts, and market withdrawals by quarantining affected products, notifying the Pharmacist in Charge, and executing recall procedures per pharmacy policy. Maintain complete and accurate records for all recalls, returns, and disposals to support regulatory inspections and internal audits. Support compliance with GPO and wholesaler contract requirements by tracking contract adherence and flagging non-compliant purchasing patterns. Supply Chain Integrity Source products only from licensed, authorized distributors and manufacturers in compliance with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) and Arizona pharmacy regulations. Verify product pedigree and authenticate suspect or illegitimate product reports in accordance with established procedures. Participate in supply chain risk assessments and contribute to the development of contingency plans for drug shortages or supply disruptions. Maintain documentation required for DSCSA tracing and verification, including transaction information, transaction histories, and transaction statements. Packaging Materials & Labels Manage inventory of all packaging materials, including blister packs, unit-dose pouches, IV bags, syringes, and ancillary supplies. Maintain adequate stock of prescription labels, auxiliary labels, and dispensing materials to support uninterrupted pharmacy operations. Monitor label printer supplies and report equipment issues to appropriate personnel. Qualifications Education & Experience High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field (pharmacy technology, supply chain, healthcare administration) preferred. Minimum 2 years of inventory management experience required; experience in a pharmacy, healthcare, or highly regulated environment strongly preferred. Long term care pharmacy experience a significant plus. Active Arizona Pharmacy Technician registration preferred but not required; willingness to obtain registration is a plus. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Demonstrated proficiency in inventory management principles including par levels, FIFO, cycle counting, and demand forecasting. Familiarity with pharmaceutical products, including oral solid, oral liquid, injectable, and IV medications, as well as related supplies and packaging. Experience with pharmacy information systems or inventory management software; ability to learn new systems quickly. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data entry and record-keeping. Working knowledge of relevant regulations including

DEA, DSCSA, USP

standards, and Arizona Board of Pharmacy requirements preferred. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities without compromising accuracy. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for tracking and reporting. Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with pharmacists, technicians, and external vendors. Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in temperature-controlled environments. Supervision This position reports directly to the Pharmacist in Charge (PIC) and does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. The Inventory Specialist may provide guidance or training to pharmacy support staff on inventory-related procedures.

Pay:

From $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person