PURCHASING TEAM LEAD

The Purchasing Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily purchasing operations within the Materials Management Department. This role ensures the timely and cost-effective procurement, receipt, and distribution of medical supplies, equipment, and materials throughout the healthcare facility. The Team Lead will supervise and support a team of Purchasing Specialists, coordinate purchasing and inventory activities, and ensure compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards. This position requires a collaborative leader with strong communication and organizational skills to ensure efficient supply chain operations that support high-quality patient care.

Essential Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Oversight:

• Lead, train, and mentor a team of Purchasing Specialists to ensure timely, accurate, and efficient performance of daily tasks.
• Assign and monitor work schedules, prioritize activities, and reallocate tasks as needed to meet operational demands.
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development plans to enhance team performance and morale.
• Assist the Supply Chain Manager in evaluating team metrics and driving continuous improvement.

Procurement and Purchasing Operations:

• Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including creating and reviewing purchase orders, verifying requisitions, and maintaining accurate purchasing records.
• Ensure timely delivery of goods and services through proactive vendor communication and follow-up.
• Handle return items promptly and accurately.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through vendor negotiations, bulk purchasing, and alternative sourcing.
• Maintain compliance with Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) guidelines and leverage GPO contracts effectively.
• Use Global Exchange Network platforms and GPO websites to manage invoicing and procurement tasks.

Vendor and Supplier Management:

• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure product quality, service consistency, and favorable pricing.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve delivery, invoicing, or quality issues promptly.
• Collaborate with vendors to resolve discrepancies and ensure timely invoice payments.

Inventory and Data Management:

• Work with inventory control teams to monitor stock levels and ensure availability of critical supplies.
• Adjust purchasing strategies based on usage trends, seasonality, or hospital initiatives to prevent shortages or overstock.
• Support the development and maintenance of inventory and purchasing management systems.
• Assist in maintaining accurate records of transactions, purchase orders, receipts, and returns.

Policy, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement:

• Ensure department operations comply with internal policies and regulatory requirements (e.g., Joint Commission, OSHA, infection control).
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent practices.
• Identify training needs and coordinate learning opportunities to strengthen the purchasing team's capabilities.
• Demonstrate flexibility in assignments and support cross-functional activities as needed within professional scope.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in purchasing, preferably in a healthcare or hospital setting. 1-2 years of supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of supply chain processes, procurement practices, and inventory management.
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Required Licensure/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s degree

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: None
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: None
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: None

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Needed for communication with others, telephone communication.
• Vision: Needed to read memos and literature
• Smell: N/A
• Hearing: Needed for telephone communication and meetings.
• Touch: Needed to write, do computer entry, and filing.

Activity/Lifting Requirements

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 95%
• Twist: 0%
• Stand: 1%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 5%
• Kneel: 0%
• Lift: 1%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 0%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 1%
• Reach above shoulders: 0%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 20 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 35 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 50 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 480
• Twist: 1
• Stand: 2
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 2
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 1
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 0
• Climb: 0
• Bend: 2
• Reach above shoulders: 2
• Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated): Simple grasp. Normal weight: 10#
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: None
• Fine Manipulation:
• Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: None

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours : 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere:
• Special Hazards:
• Protective Clothing Required: None