Job Description

Formerly Puget Sound Blood Center and Lane Blood Center, Bloodworks is backed by more than 70 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. A national leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks has been chosen to serve more than 90 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska xe2x80x93 partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. We are local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based.We have a wonderful new job opportunity for a Buyer to work under general direction from the Materials Manager, procure and control the necessary supplies, services, and equipment for the safe and timely operation of Bloodworks.Principal responsibilities include, but are not limited to: As a Buyer:Identifying Requirements

• In collaboration with the requesting departments, source supplies and services that meet the requirements of the department while also optimizing pricing and supply chain requirements.
• Establish procurement plans and make decisions necessary to purchase products or services in congruence with organizational objectives and sourcing strategies.
• Review purchase requisitions by organizational requirements and/or budgetary constraints.
• Review supplier samples with the buying organization and/or user departments.

Preparation/Evaluation of Solicitations

• Selectively meet with representatives of existing and potential vendors to identify pricing, product, and/or process improvement opportunities.

Solicit competitive bids, quotations, and proposals with pertinent specifications, terms, and conditions.

• Evaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best proposal for a product/service.

• Locate and select potential sources of products and services and advise applicable departments of new/improved products.

• Conduct supplier visits/evaluations to determine suitability.
• Measure supplier performance using a rating system and predetermined standards.

Negotiation Process

• Negotiate prices, terms, and conditions as directed for various stock and non-stock supplies, services, and equipment. Advise department representatives on the budgetary impact of these negotiations.

• Prepare for and develop strategies and tactics for negotiation
• Conduct negotiations with potential and/or current suppliers to obtain maximum value

Contract Execution, Implementation, and Administration

• Review incoming requisitions for accuracy in terms of signature authority, correct general ledger account numbers, product codes, etc.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders.
• Obtain legal review and approval of contracts
• Expedite deliveries and conduct follow-up activities when necessary
• Resolve purchase order differences with vendors and accounting as related to departmental receiving, pricing, and quantities
• Assist with the review and revision of purchasing practices to ensure their conformance with established laws, policies, and ethical principals

Material Flow

• Verify that materials are distributed to user departments

Transportation/Logistics

• Coordinate/route/trace inbound freight according to organizational needs
• Arrange for the timely repairs/returns of supplies and equipment.

Supply & Inventory Management

• Meet with assigned departments to discuss current material inventories and establish stocking levels by Bloodworks SOP.
• Provide inventory analysis for stocking levels at the main warehouse and department sites for assigned products.

• Assist in the conducting, date-entry, and reconciliation of month-end and yearend warehouse and department site inventories.
• Keep current on all necessary stockroom control of inventory items, including purchase orders, receivers, issues, and all applicable reports.
• Maintain computerized documentation of catalog changes, inter-departmental correspondence, vendor memoranda, organization-wide maintenance contracts, standing purchase orders, etc.

Resource Planning

• Coordinate testing and the introduction of new products with vendors and assigned departments.

Value Enhancing Materials and Supply Process

• Assist in the development and implementation of a standardization program
• Assist in the development and implementation of a process improvement program

Forecasting and Strategies

• Plan to purchase, source, and supply strategies based on assigned department forecasts
• Develop supply strategies based on departmental forecasts of future demand
• Provide forecasted data to suppliers for future bloodwork demand

External Relationships

• Develop and manage effective relationships with suppliers
• Review product availability and pricing information with suppliers
• Coordinate/Review/Respond to supplier inquiries, protests, and appeals
• Assist in the development and management of a supplier diversity program

Internal Relationships

• Develop, manage, and evaluate relationships with assigned departments
• Participate in cross-functional and/or multifunctional teams
• Recommend and implement changes to Bloodworksxe2x80x99 purchasing and supply management policies as needed
• Disseminate information and provide training related to purchasing and supply management policies and procedures
• Serve as the principal point of contact for assigned departments and vendors

Additional Duties

• Participate as a member of project teams in the development of new processes, products, and services for Bloodworks
• As assigned by the Logistics Director and Purchasing Manager

• Specific areas of focus also include one or more of the following areas:

• Principle Buyer for printing projects and office supplies
• Technical writing
• Files, records, manuals, and MSDS administration
• Comply with all applicable Bloodworks Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as written
• All other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree (business management or logistics management preferred) or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Additionally, three years of experience in a purchasing/materials management department, preferably in the medical/healthcare field.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains software (preferred)

Specific job skills include, but are not limited to:

• Must be highly organized, able to multi-task, and work under pressure to consistently meet established deadlines and service goals.
• Outstanding telephone customer service skills.
• Ability to work under stress and handle interaction with vendors and Bloodworks employees in various departments and of varying levels of responsibility using judgment, tact, and diplomacy.

• Demonstrated ability with vendor negotiation.

• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently without continuous direct supervision.
• Strong attention to detail.

• Basic accounting skills.
• Functional proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Proficient with computerized inventories

• Required mental activities include continuous use of interpersonal skills, decision-making, performing basic Math, and the ability to speak, read, write, and understand English. Required mental activities used less frequently include teamwork, customer service, use of discretion, negotiation, and independent judgment and/or independent action (used frequently); creativity, mentoring, problem analysis, and performing advanced Math (used occasionally); and teaching/presentations, selling, training/supervising, and perform basic programming (used rarely).
• Required physical activities include continuous sitting, talking, and hearing. Required physical activities used less frequently include walking (used frequently), handling (used occasionally), standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, and repetitive motions of hands/wrists (used rarely).
• The ability to push, lift, and carry up to 10 pounds throughout a normal day.
• Other physical activities include Job skills related to specific job functions, including keyboard, ability to use fax and copier, and attention to detail.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Position requires extensive close work, extensive computer monitor work (continuous), and extended hours (rare).
• Work is performed in an office environment.
• Ability to work scheduled holidays and weekends is required.
• As this position has indirect responsibility to patients, the incumbent should be prepared to work extended hours and/or possibly at a different location during periods of inclement weather. Refer to Human Resources policy or management for more information.
• This position has indirect exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
• Telecommuting ability is a frequent condition of this role.

Benefits and Perks:Employees regularly scheduled for 24+ hours per week are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage also available. Also able to participate in retirement plans (401a & 403b), consolidated paid leave program (4.8 xe2x80x93 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service), subsidized transit program, and educational reimbursement. Candidates hired from outside of our service area may be eligible for a relocation assistance bonus**Conditions applyBloodworks Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Bloodworks Northwest