The Pharmacy Buyer is responsible for the cost-effective procurement of pharmaceuticals, IVFs, and medical supplies to ensure optimal stock levels. This role coordinates logistics and transfers among DCH affiliates and external partners while overseeing inventory management and medication-related issues. Additionally, the Buyer administers split-billing process for wholesaler accounts and ensures all products are in ready-to-use form for immediate dispensing.

Procurement & Financial Management

• Purchasing: Execute cost-effective procurement of pharmaceuticals, IVFs, and medical supplies, ensuring adherence to contracts and lowest-price offerings.
• 340B Compliance: Maintain 340B program compliance using split-billing software across all wholesaler accounts.
• Financial Reconciliation: Reconcile invoices and packing slips for accuracy; resolve shipment discrepancies and assist with invoice coding for payment.
• Revenue Cycle: Prepare and execute monthly billing for interdepartmental units, affiliated clinics, and external institutions.
• Cost Analysis: Identify drug usage trends and high-cost items; develop cost-saving initiatives and participate in performance improvement activities.

Inventory & Operations

• Receiving & Verification: Oversee the receipt of orders, ensuring accurate barcode linking in Meditech and Connect-Rx systems.
• Medication Readiness: Ensure all inventory is properly labeled, sealed, and in ready-to-use form for patients and automation.
• System Maintenance: Update NDC/CIN changes in inventory systems and maintain organized departmental documentation.
• Inventory Audits: Coordinate annual inventory with vendors and management; perform systematic checks for outdated medications and area cleanliness.
• Returns & Waste: Manage the expired drug return process and ensure proper disposal of pharmaceutical and hazardous waste in compliance with Joint Commission standards.

Supply Chain & Communication

• Shortage Management: Monitor and communicate medication shortages in real-time; update shortage databases and execute commensurate purchasing actions.
• Recall Management: Coordinate drug recalls, including staff communication, database maintenance, and required paperwork.
• Vendor Relations: Meet with pharmaceutical representatives and work with vendors to ensure stable supply chains for CC Pharmacy and other units.
• Reporting: Prepare and present purchasing reports to pharmacy management as required.

Training & Professional Development

• Training: Serve as a preceptor for new hire pharmacy technicians, students, and pharmacists.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of State and Federal laws affecting pharmacy practice.
• Continuous Growth: Participate in continuing education, seminars, and vendor training to ensure professional growth.
• Departmental Support: Perform additional technician duties as needed to ensure departmental flexibility and patient care.

DCH Standards:       

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Mission, Vision, and Values including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Licensure: Currently registered (or eligible for registration) as a Pharmacy Technician in the State of Alabama.
• Certification: Must be a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
• Pharmacy Experience: Minimum of two years of experience as a Pharmacy Technician.
• Purchasing Experience: Previous experience in pharmaceutical procurement or purchasing preferred.
• Clinical Knowledge: Proficiency in medication dosages, forms, and pharmacy terminology preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Ability to operate pharmacy-related equipment, including computers, calculators, fax machines, and transfer carts.
• Communication: Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English professionally.
• Departmental Skills: Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain departmental flexibility to meet patient care needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

WORK CONTEXT

Environmental

• Exposure to contaminants
• Exposure to hazardous conditions
• Close physical proximity
• Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment

Psychological

• Contact with others
• Occasionally deal with unpleasant or angry people
• Daily use of electronic mail
• Engage in face to face discussions
• Frequent use telephone
• Work with group or team

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Physical activities include: Talking, hearing, bending, twisting, walking, kneeling, crouching, stooping, climbing, balancing, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, repetitive motion, standing, and/or using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls).
• Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
• Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
• Possible exposure to disease, infection and hazardous materials.
• Physical presence onsite is essential. 

OTHER JOB FACTORS

• Must be pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
• Must be reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfill obligations.
• Must be able to file and maintain records.
• Must be careful about detail and be thorough in completing work tasks
• Must be willing to take on responsibilities and challenges.
• Must be honest and ethical.
• Must be able to accept criticism and deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.