Lab Buyer

The Lab Buyer is responsible for the accurate and timely procurement of laboratory supplies and equipment in alignment with contract terms and organizational standards. This role operates within a centralized purchasing team to support internal laboratory and patient service customers, maintain strong supplier relationships, and identify cost-saving opportunities while maximizing contract utilization. The position focuses on processing purchase orders, managing product data, resolving pricing and invoice issues, and ensuring that laboratory operations receive the materials they need efficiently and cost-effectively.

• Process orders for equipment, specialty supplies, inventory items, and standing orders to support laboratory and related operations.
• Create and transmit supplier purchase orders using EDI, phone, internet, or email, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Document order confirmations, expected receipt dates, and backorders, and maintain clear records of all purchasing activities.
• Expedite orders as needed and coordinate approved product substitutions when supply issues or backorders occur.
• Negotiate pricing for off-contract items and ensure purchases align with contract terms and cost-saving goals.
• Support internal customers with supply ordering by maintaining and updating order templates to streamline recurring purchases.
• Advise internal customers on cost-saving opportunities, including minimum order quantities, standing orders, and delivery schedules within supplier contracts.
• Coordinate new site setups for laboratories, patient service centers, IOPs, draw sites, and other facilities, including orientation on ordering processes, product transfers, and disposal procedures.
• Assist in training newly assigned Purchasing staff on processes, systems, and best practices.
• Analyze product usage to identify savings opportunities by comparing contracted distributor pricing and manufacturer-direct pricing.
• Document identified savings and recommend items for negotiated pricing based on utilization and cost analysis.
• Serve as a resource for product and supplier information, collaborating with internal departments on product specifications and selection.
• Verify pricing against contract agreements and resolve discrepancies to ensure accurate billing and compliance.
• Partner with Accounts Payable, suppliers, and Contracts teams to ensure timely invoice payment and resolve payment delays.
• Address shipment issues, product quality concerns, and delivery problems by coordinating with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Obtain quotes and negotiate pricing for specialized products and services, focusing on overall value and alignment with operational needs.
• Research contracts for items not listed in the internal purchasing system and recommend appropriate products based on supplier proposals.
• Initiate and manage product and pricing data updates within the internal purchasing system, ensuring accurate, current, and non-duplicative product records.
• Coordinate purchase order price updates with the data analyst to maintain accurate pricing and contract alignment.
• Procure supplies and minor equipment for multiple facilities, ensuring consistent support across labs, patient service centers, IOPs, and draw sites.
• Authorize daily non-capital purchases up to the established threshold to support lab operations and related services.
• Work with current suppliers to place orders for goods and services up to a defined limit for laboratory support.
• Generate and review expedite reports, backorder reports, and open order reports to monitor order status and prioritize critical needs.
• Investigate supplier issues, research order discrepancies, and document findings and resolutions.
• Collaborate regularly with the broader buyer team through scheduled meetings to share information, address questions, and support continuous improvement.

• Experience in purchasing or buying indirect goods and indirect services, preferably in a laboratory or healthcare environment.
• Familiarity with MRP or MRP systems and internal purchasing systems for managing orders and inventory.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Effective collaboration skills to work closely with internal customers, suppliers, Accounts Payable,…