Pharmaceutical Purchaser

**Pharmaceutical Purchaser**

Sourcing - Pharmacy

Burnaby, BC

Places orders for pharmaceuticals and pharmacy supplies/services according to established policies and procedures; participates in industry group purchasing committees regarding vendor selection, tenders, price negotiation and vendor contracts. Sources and selects vendors for non-formulary and special program medications. Establishes and/or revises inventory levels based on pharmacy site usage and maintains the pharmacy purchasing database with new drug contract and pricing information.

**What you’ll do**
- Technical
- Maintains drug inventory levels for the Pharmacy by establishing and/or revising optimum re-order points based on site utilization and inventory flow patterns and by preparing and placing purchase orders with pharmaceutical wholesalers and vendors.
- Monitors delivery dates and, as required, resolves shipping problems and expedites deliveries to ensure adequate inventory levels. Determines alternate suppliers for backordered and discontinued drug products. Maintains and updates information about backordered and discontinued products on the Pharmacy intranet.
- Maintains the perpetual inventory system by conducting cyclical and spot counts; comparing the actual count with the recorded inventory level; investigating and resolving any discrepancies and referring any significant findings to the Manager.
- Adds new drug products to the computer system according to established guidelines. Maintains the drug database with new contract, supplier and price information.
- Returns outdated drug products to suppliers by contacting the vendor for return authorization, completing required documentation such as material release forms and sending products to suppliers for credit.
- Assists accounting personnel in billing enquiries to ensure correct billing details are processed.
- Working Relationships
- Participates, as an Interior Health Pharmacy Services representative, in industry group purchasing committees and activities such as Drug Contract Tender and Awards meetings, Product Evaluation and Vendor Quality Management committees regarding vendor selection, tenders, price negotiation and vendor contracts. Gathers purchasing and inventory distribution data and statistics as required to support drug contract management and group purchasing and Interior Health Pharmacy Services.
- Obtains pricing information and sources pharmacy dispensary and compounding equipment and supplies as necessary. Meets with vendors as required to discuss products, pricing, credits and/or to resolve problems as necessary.
- Coordinates drug recalls by notifying the Pharmacy sites of the recall and level of urgency; tracking the site responses; quarantining and returning recalled medications and maintaining documentation of the recall in accordance with Interior Health Pharmacy Services QI/Risk Management policies and procedures.
- Decision Making
- Sources and selects vendors for non-formulary, Special Access Program medications and special program medications (e.g. Public health, HIV prophylaxis kits) in collaboration with the Interior Health Pharmacy Formulary Manager, upon receipt of appropriate documentation.
- Performs other related duties as required.

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**What you bring**

**Qualifications**:

- Grade twelve (12), graduation from a recognized Pharmacy Assistant Program supplemented by recognized purchasing courses plus four years’ recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills & Knowledge
- Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to deal effectively with others.
- Ability to organize work.
- Ability to operate related equipment.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

**What we bring**

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too - offering health, wellness, development programs to support you - at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations - offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs