Purchasing Specialist

Guardian Pharmacy • Houston, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under limited supervision, the Purchasing Specialist manages pharmacy purchasing and inventory to maintain sufficient supplies for operational needs while meeting targeted inventory levels and contributing to budgeted margin through cost-effective purchasing. The role monitors inventory utilization, purchasing metrics, product availability, and pricing; places daily medication and supply orders; and maintains accurate purchasing and drug-file records. The Specialist coordinates returns and disposal of overstocked, expired, or recalled inventory, organizes quarterly physical inventory activities, and communicates relevant purchasing updates to pharmacy staff. The position requires independent judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. The role is based in Sugar Land, Texas, and requires up to 10% ground travel and flexible hours.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of related experience; an advanced degree may substitute for experience.
• Pharmacy Technician license, certification, or registration as required by state regulations.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to solve problems with minimal direction.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while adhering to strict deadlines.
• Quality-minded approach, including proactively identifying errors and investigating apparent inaccuracies.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Ability to travel up to 10% by ground.
• Work ethic and integrity; leadership and team orientation; relationship-building ability; planning and time-management skills; and strategic and functional problem-solving ability.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Math, Economics, Statistics, Business, or a similar field.
• National Pharmacy Technician Certification (PTCB).
• Pharmacy operations system experience.

Responsibilities

• Continuously manage inventory levels in response to utilization, shortages, backorders, recalls, and waste-prevention needs.
• Review purchasing dashboards and run reports; analyze purchasing metrics to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve inventory turns.
• Use the Surecost purchasing system to evaluate purchasing options and place accurate, timely daily orders for medications and supplies.
• Manage purchasing spend to maximize margin and comply with generic and warehouse purchasing targets.
• Review, update, maintain, and audit the drug file and formulary, including timely updates to NDCs and correction of errors.
• Under direction from Support Services Purchasing, manage brand purchases in advance of price increases and generic events to minimize inventory impact and maximize margin.
• Communicate product availability, pricing, alternatives, updates, and problem resolutions to pharmacy staff.
• Coordinate timely returns of overstocked or misordered items to vendors and pursue full credit when possible.
• Process and arrange returns or disposal of expired and recalled inventory.
• Coordinate quarterly physical inventory, including reviewing turns, cycle-count accuracy, purchase-versus-dispense reporting, and par-level updates.
• Perform audit counts to maintain the perpetual reordering system.
• Ensure accurate processing of purchase orders and invoices.
• Attend monthly calls and an in-person annual meeting with Support Services Purchasing, and use the information, reports, and tools provided to manage purchasing spend.
• Maintain policies and procedures for the functional area.
• Work independently and exercise judgment to resolve issues and meet deadlines.
• Perform other essential functions and duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week.
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Company-paid basic life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage.
• Company-paid long-term disability and optional short-term disability.
• Voluntary employee and dependent life, accident, and critical illness coverage.
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Guardian Angels employee assistance fund.
• Paid holidays and sick days.
• Vacation benefits based on years of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED