Pharmacy Procurement Specialist II, Full-time Day Shift

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Pharmacy Procurement Specialist II reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities:

• Acts in a lead role on behalf of the NMHC Procurement Services Division in the transaction management component for the procurement of medications and other pharmaceutical supplies:• interacts with management, department and affiliate personnel, physicians, vendors and other suppliers
• Facilitates support of NM approved contracts and suppliers
• Negotiates pricing for non-contract covered categories
• Acts as a resource for hospital departments and affiliates
• Establishes inventory and par levels for medications and other pharmaceutical supplies
• Participates in facilitating the evaluation of proposed products for numerous spend categories or services in support of departments and the NM Patients First mission.

• Consistently meets established departmental KPIs in support of efficient and effective procurement transactions.
• Optimizes inventory for physician clinics and sets appropriate par levels.
• Setup of new accounts with pharmaceutical wholesalers.
• Coordinates the direct shipment program with wholesalers.
• Ensures accurate GPO tier level pricing and local contract pricing is loaded for access.
• Processes supply and pharmaceutical requisitions using the NM ERP, consistent with NM policies and procedures.
• Establishes annual preventative vaccine and flu vaccine pre-booking orders.
• Reviews budgeted expense for drugs and identifies variance issues.
• Responds to questions placed by internal customers within the same day and no later than 1 business day of request.
• Monitors and communicates back-orders in a timely manner to the end user and assists with sourcing alternate products if necessary.
• Maintains good communication with Accounts Payable in resolving Match Exceptions.
• Directs new vendor requestors to the vendor portal for information and registration.
• Provides feedback to Vendor Team regarding updates of current vendors.
• Can communicate and educate end users regarding procurement policies, procedures and processes.
• Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently and effectively.
• Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
• Participates in efforts to streamline and standardize work processes.
• Represents the department on various work groups or committees as assigned and implements committee decisions as required.
• Monitors self in relation to meeting established department KPIs and can communicate accomplishments and opportunities for improvement utilizing the mid-year and annual performance appraisal tool.
• Utilizes MS Office, i.e. Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Customer service orientation

Required:

• A minimum of five years of experience in an aspect of healthcare supply chain management with a demonstrated track record of accomplishments. OR 
• A minimum of five years of experience as a Purchasing Agent/Buyer for the pharmaceutical industry.

Preferred: 

• Five years of healthcare purchasing or supply chain related experience.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.