Purchasing Specialist

Thanks for your interest in Children's Mercy!

Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children’s Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children’s Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City – a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children’s health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

Overview

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for purchasing supplies and equipment for various hospital departments, coordinating delivery, communicating back orders, and verifying pricing of the products ordered. The incumbent will communicate regularly with business partners and Accounts Payable to complete the procure-to-pay process.  #LI-DNI

At Children’s Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it’s important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children’s Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Responsibilities

• Review purchase requisitions, places orders, works with requesters to resolve requisitions that lack adequate information to place an order. Confirms with vendor that purchase order was received as submitted. Processes PO's in a timely manner. Coordinates daily with departments and inventory personnel with submissions on purchase requisitions. Monitors ERP system for incoming requests and completion of request to PO process. Issues purchase orders and selects delivery method appropriate for the order being placed.
• Confirms receipt of purchase order and keeps lines on purchase order current while limiting past due lines. Works with available reports to ensure lines are not past due and seeking out information from vendors on delays and expected ETA. Records all backorder on the appropriate report and notifies requester of backorder situation and as backorder dates are extended. Confirms PO's are received as issued with each vendor using existing electronic systems and directly with vendors and resolves any discrepancies.
• Works regularly with Account Payable directly and through ERP system to resolve invoice price and quantity discrepancies. Answers invoice issue alerts in a timely manner. Conducts face to face meetings with A.P. practitioners as needed for invoice issue resolution. Work through automated alert systems and communication system within the existing ERP system.
• Works with contracts/sourcing department on price discrepancy problems. During purchase order confirmations, any pricing issues above tolerance are communicated to contracts to confirm.
• Keeps informed of group contracts and verifies correct pricing according to these contracts by comparing to prices quoted by vendors.
• Utilizes reports for tracking and monitoring data critical to the appropriate and efficient operation of the Purchasing Department through reports from the ERP system and EDI system.
• Ensures item master is accurate. Communicates to Supply Chain Information Systems and vendor updates of changes, UOM changes, catalog number changes and substantial cost changes.
• Works with Receiving to resolve receiving issues. When invoice discrepancies exist due to receiving issues, works with Receiving and requesters to determine receipt situations and makes receiving adjustments in the ERP system according to evidence of receipt. Works with Receiving on trouble pile issues when items are delivered without PO's or with PO's that don't match what was ordered.
• Assists with facilitating team huddles
• Vendor management – follow u with suppliers on open purchase orders to address any issues related to shipping delays, backorders, and damaged goods.  Communicate with suppliers daily via phone or email for status updates. Ensure the records are update in the ERP systems and other relevant tools.
• Team Coverage–support team members with backup coverage during OOOHelp maintain and manage the SOW for purchasing supplies and services

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 1-2 years experience; Previous experience as a buyer, product sourcing, supply distribution and/or contract negotiations or
• HS diploma or equivalent and 3-5 years experience; Previous experience as a buyer, product sourcing, supply distribution and/or contract negotiations preferred.

Benefits at Children's Mercy

The benefits plans at Children’s Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

Starting Pay

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $24.31/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

Remote Work/Work from Home

This position is entirely remote or work-from-home. The person hired must live in the Kansas City metro area and may attend on-site meetings, as scheduled.

#LI-Remote

EEO Employer/Disabled/Vet

Children’s Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children’s Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.

If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.