Buyer, Assistant

Overview

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

This position assists with purchase order processing by contacting vendors and suppliers for quotes and follows up on unresolved purchase orders. The incumbent ensures billing and order accuracy, resolves related problems, creates tracking systems, and compiles, evaluates and maintains systems depending upon departmental needs. The Assistant Buyer is distinguished from the Buyers in that this position does not perform specialized or complex-purchasing transactions that require the development of detailed specifications. This position acts as a liaison between requesting departments, accounts payable and vendors to ensure that information is shared appropriately and invoices are paid on time. Delayed payment may result in vendors placing a credit hold on the account and necessary products could not be received. If shipments do not arrive on time, are filled incorrectly, or become damaged during shipment, the incumbent researches the problem and works with the vendor and the receiving dock to resolve any discrepancies. This position is not responsible for providing patient care.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Reviews and processes routine purchase requisitions for goods and services.
• Ensures compliance with purchasing procedures, state procurement codes, and user requirements.
• Prepares standard bids, proposals, and recommendation justifications.
• Interacts with vendors and departments regarding procurement procedures and status of orders.
• Maintains and updates product catalogs, vendor files, and price lists.
• Maintains records in accordance with established policies and procedures and audit guidelines.
• Reconciles and processes receiving reports, vendor invoices, and other procurement documents.
• Expedites shipping and deliveries, maintains inventories, monitors usage inconsistencies, price changes, and back orders.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined above.

• Demonstrated superior organizational and problem solving skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of spreadsheets and word processing.

• Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.

Qualifications

Required

• Three (3) years of experience in a procurement environment, a related field, or the equivalency.
• Depending upon department of hire, a valid, State of Utah Driver's License may be required.

Qualifications (Preferred)

Preferred

• Accredited Purchasing Practitioners (APP) certification may be preferred in some areas of assignment.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This is a sedentary position in an office setting that may exert up to 10 pounds and may lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. This position involves sitting most of the time and is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Physical Requirements