Buyer

Ochsner Clinic Foundation; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Health in New Orleans is seeking a procurement professional to manage requisitions and purchase orders within MMIS for assigned departments. The role emphasizes negotiating with vendors, enforcing contracts, and maintaining accurate pricing and item records to ensure timely delivery.

Required is a high school diploma (bachelor's preferred) and at least two years of buying experience. Strong computer, data entry, and communication skills are essential in a healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum 2 years buying or related business experience.
• Proficient with Windows-style applications and data entry.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of purchasing policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with healthcare environment.
• Ability to manage a preprogrammed database.

Responsibilities

• Process purchase orders within guidelines for review, approval, cost-effectiveness, standardization and timeliness.
• Pro-actively participate in activities to control acquisition costs.
• Resolve issues regarding PO pricing, receiving, invoice discrepancies and inquiries.
• Facilitate accuracy of the MMIS by updating item, vendor and pricing data.
• Maintain Open Order List and Daily Log/Confirmations.
• Other related duties as required.

Skills

Data entry

Verbal communication

Written communication

Windows applications

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation

Data analysis

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MMIS

Vendor software

Windows OS

Job description

Exceptional care starts with exceptional people.

For us, this is more than a job– it’s a calling. It’s waking up each day, looking for ways to make a difference with a compassionate, inclusive and talented team. Ochsner empowers you to discover your passion, reach your potential, and Pursue Your Purpose. Exceptional care starts with exceptional people and teams. Together we are leading the way.

This position reviews requisitions and processes purchase orders for assigned departments using the Materials Management Information System (MMIS) and designated resources. The buyer negotiates and confirms pricing, terms and conditions of purchases with vendors as well as enforces established contracts. Participates in the maintenance of the MMIS database. Interaction with various departments and vendor representatives is required to ensure timely delivery of products and resolution of issues.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

Required - High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred - Bachelor's degree

Work Experience

Required - 2 years buying or related business experience

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze needs, evaluate circumstances and negotiate in the best interest of the employer.
• Analytical skills necessary to correlate the accumulated data and use the information effectively.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures relative to the purchasing process.
• Familiarity with the health care environment.
• Ability to manage a preprogrammed computer database.

Job Duties

• Processes purchase orders within guidelines for review, approval, cost-effectiveness, standardization and timeliness.
• Pro-actively participates in activities and searches for ways to effectively control acquisition costs.
• Resolves issues regarding purchase order pricing, receiving, invoice discrepancies, buyer messages and department inquiries and concerns as needed.
• Facilitates accuracy of the Materials Management Information System by submitting item, vendor and pricing updates.
• Maintains updated Open Order List and Daily Log/Confirmations.
• Other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sedentary Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue and as part of their employment, incumbents are not called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or first aid.

The incumbent has no occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.

Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.