MEDICAL BUYER

SUMMARY:

The Medical Buyer is responsible for the researching, identifying, requisitioning, and ordering of medical/surgical supplies and diagnostic equipment for use in hospitals and ancillary clinics. This position is governed by state and federal laws and institution policy.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

Processes medical/surgical purchase requests from hospital departments and ancillary clinics.

Corresponds with medical vendors regarding medical/surgical equipment for use in hospitals and clinics.

Negotiates services contracts for medical/surgical supplies and equipment for use in hospitals and clinics.

Receives sophisticated medical, technical, research, and computer equipment purchase requests and reviews for compliance with state purchasing requirements; develops and determines appropriate list of vendors to obtain competitive quotation, and assists with invoicing problems.

Determines appropriate list of bidders for products purchased by bid, writes specifications, sets bid opening date and time, determines bid meeting specifications, and recommends bid award to supervisor.

Compiles product information from catalogs, departments, manufacturers, or vendors, examines technical information, such as plans or diagrams to determine acceptable products, and monitors delivery and invoicing.

Explains policies and procedures to departments and vendors, maintains library of information on products and market conditions, and keeps abreast of purchasing rules and regulations.

Troubleshoots problem purchase requests by telephone or composes follow-up correspondence for documentation purposes, verifies sole source procurements, and processes emergency purchase requests.

 Performs other duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of medical supplies and equipment. Knowledge of state purchasing rules and regulations. Knowledge of medical terminology. Ability to communicate information orally and in writing. Ability to research and prepare product specifications. Ability to evaluate and recommend acceptable products according to the specifications.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a major in general business, marketing, or related field; plus two years of experience in purchasing or a related area, including one year in a health care environment.

Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.

OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.