Buyer I

Aston Carter•Boston, MA

1d•$30 - $34•Hybrid

About The Position

The Buyer I / Procurement Specialist I is responsible for purchasing goods, services, and equipment that support hospital operations while ensuring cost efficiency, quality, timely delivery, and compliance with procurement standards. This role partners closely with internal departments and external vendors to research pricing, negotiate costs, manage purchase orders, and resolve order or invoice discrepancies. The position plays a critical part in maintaining uninterrupted operations in a complex healthcare environment and contributes directly to a large-scale enterprise ERP transformation that supports patient care, research, and operational excellence.

Requirements

Experience with purchasing and procurement processes in a complex operational environment, preferably healthcare.
Hands-on experience creating, managing, and tracking purchase orders from initiation through delivery.
Ability to research and compare competitive pricing, product options, and sourcing alternatives.
Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with internal departments, vendors, and supply partners.
Demonstrated ability to resolve invoice discrepancies and coordinate issue resolution across internal and external stakeholders.
Attention to detail and accuracy in managing procurement documentation and records.
Ability to support cost-containment efforts, including use of group purchasing contracts and product standardization.
Comfort working within an ERP or similar enterprise system to support purchasing and supply chain activities.
Capability to work effectively in a complex, fast-paced healthcare environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Commitment to maintaining compliance with organizational purchasing procedures and procurement standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ERP systems in supply chain, purchasing, or procurement functions.
Background in hospital or healthcare supply chain operations.
Familiarity with inventory control practices and cost-saving initiatives.
Experience assisting with product recalls, returns, and managing outdates.
Interest in and commitment to ongoing professional development, including workshops and continuing education related to procurement and supply chain.
Exposure to large-scale enterprise transformation projects, particularly ERP implementations across HR, Finance, Supply Chain, or Research.
Ability to contribute to data integrity, process redesign, and cross-functional collaboration within an enterprise setting.

Responsibilities

Initiate and manage the purchase of goods, services, and equipment in alignment with hospital policies and procurement standards.
Select appropriate purchasing methods, create purchase orders, verify product and service availability, and establish delivery timelines.
Track, monitor, and expedite open purchase orders through fulfillment and delivery to ensure timely receipt.
Resolve invoice discrepancies and coordinate with vendors and internal teams to address billing, pricing, and delivery issues.
Research product options, competitive pricing, and sourcing alternatives to support departmental needs and optimize value.
Communicate regularly with hospital departments to provide order status updates and ensure expectations for quality, timing, and service are met.
Establish and maintain professional working relationships with vendors, supply partners, and internal customers.
Obtain price quotes and assist with negotiations to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
Support cost-containment efforts by utilizing group purchasing contracts and encouraging product standardization where appropriate.
Identify opportunities for inventory control, cost savings, and process efficiencies within the supply chain.
Assist with product recalls, returns, and the management of outdates as needed to support patient safety and operational continuity.
Ensure compliance with hospital purchasing procedures, procurement standards, and applicable best practices.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current procurement trends, best practices, and regulatory expectations by participating in professional development activities, including workshops and continuing education.
Contribute to maintaining accurate documentation and procurement records, including purchase orders and related supply chain data.
Support operational and process improvements that align with the hospital’s enterprise ERP transformation and overall supply chain strategy.