Pharmacy Buyer

Where You'll Work Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose. Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Pharmacy Buyer, you will coordinate the timely and accurate inventory of pharmacy and IV supplies.

Every day you will manage procurement, maintain optimal stock levels, support barcoding, act as an ordering expert, ensure regulatory documentation, and optimize cost efficiency within the pharmacy operating system.

To be successful in this role, you will meticulously manage inventory, ensure compliance, maintain a safe environment, and proactively stay updated on departmental policies and accreditations. Coordinates all pharmaceutical ordering for the Pharmacy Department through hospital pharmacy employees via non-stock requisitions and is responsible for follow-up on these items. Coordinates any applicable centralized purchasing of high cost, low use or nominally priced items for maximum efficiency and savings. Procures emergency supplies involving suppliers and transportation of such merchandise. Reviews back order lists and procures merchandise from alternate vendor if necessary. Minimizes need for emergency purchases through close coordination with pharmacy staff. Reviews and approves orders along with the Regional Procurement Manager from other hospitals to ensure contract compliance; shares information in a timely fashion with other pharmacy employees. Meets inventory turn rate goals set regionally and system-wide. Oversees all regional electronic pharmacy purchasing and troubleshoots electronic purchasing issues. Maintains the electronic database including maintenance and update of 340B issues if applicable. Acts as the primary point of contact with the carousel database vendor for software updates and regulatory ordering changes. Trains and mentors the Pharmacy employees responsible for purchasing. Trains new Pharmacy employees on the Carousel system. Acts as a subject matter expert to resolve all technical electronic ordering questions. Provides guidance to the Pharmacy employees in reference to recalls and to addressing the lack of availability of certain products. Checks to see if the product is in stock at other hospitals when there is a lack of availability. Sends the product to the hospital that is out of stock. Works with the individual Pharmacy employees at the sites to identify and remove recalled stock and order the replacement products. Maintains current contract files; reviews contract updates for cost savings opportunities. Prepares and submits all billing documents in a timely manner to the Accounts Payable department. Compiles usage figures from the wholesaler's computer order entry system, reports and other purchasing documents; interviews vendors, reviews and compiles information on item sources for addition of products to the Formulary when requested. Responsible for the timely reconciliation and maintenance of any loans or borrows from other locations. Unpacks, prices, and rotates the medication stock received and oversees the stocking of the pharmacy department with assigned employee. Ensures all items received are matched against department request sheet, packing list or invoice sent from wholesaler and reviews all printouts and lists for accuracy of pricing and receipt of product. Tracks specific product line purchases as requested by pharmacy managers on an ongoing basis. Resolves discrepancies with wholesaler representatives. Coordinates reconciliation within one month of occurrence. Communicates with designated pharmacy personnel, buying group representatives and wholesaler representatives concerning contracting issues, product backorders, issues with rebates, etc. Checks for outdated merchandise in assigned area on a monthly basis. Deletes obsolete, recalled and/or discontinued pharmaceuticals, and returns these items to the wholesaler or the manufacturer for credit, using a reverse wholesaler service where applicable. Job Requirements Required High School Graduate, upon hire or High School GED, upon hire and Two years of pharmacy experience and

Pharmacy Technician:

WA, upon hire and Preferred Two years of pharmacy experience in a hospital setting and Graduate of ASHP accredited pharmacy technician program, upon hire or Associates Other or Equivalent experience, upon hire and Pharmacy experience of at least 3 years of pharmacy experience with a history of pharmacy procurement Certified Pharmacy Tech ECPT, upon hire or Certified Pharmacy Tech PTCB, upon hire or Certified Pharmacy Tech, upon hire