Inventory Buyer Planner

Highmark Health; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health organization is seeking a Buyer/Planner responsible for planning and purchasing medical and pharmaceutical commodities. The role requires strong forecasting and inventory management skills, with a focus on maintaining high customer fill rates and effective supplier communication. Candidates should have relevant experience and a degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• 3 years of Purchasing or supply chain experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of forecasting and inventory management principles.
• Ability to monitor product age to minimize write-offs.

Responsibilities

• Review daily purchasing requirements based on replenishment models.
• Create and manage Purchase Orders.
• Review shortages and communicate contingencies to customers.

Skills

Communication

Math skills

Microsoft Excel

Data manipulation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in BA/BS Degree, Business, Engineering, or related

Certificate of Purchasing and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Job description

This role is responsible for the planning and purchasing of assigned medical and pharmaceutical commodities for a hospital network. A strong understanding of forecasting and inventory management principles is required to plan inventory needs and create required Purchase Orders. The Buyer/Planner role is required to maintain a 98%+ Customer fill rate and meet established inventory goals based on item classification. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as the role involves daily interaction with Suppliers, requesters, the warehouse team, and support functions.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Review daily purchasing requirements based on replenishment models. (20%)
2. Create and manage Purchase Orders. (40%)
3. Review shortages and communicate contingencies to customers. (10%)
4. Item maintenance: Additions, conversions, obsolescence management. (10%)
5. Other duties as assigned or requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• None

Preferred

• 3 years of Purchasing or supply chain experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field
• Certificate of Purchasing and Inventory Management (CPIM)
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

SKILLS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Access, or similar software
• Strong communication and math skills; expertise in data manipulation in Excel is critical
• Ability to monitor product age to minimize write-offs, resolve shortages, and manage inventory parameters such as safety stock, EOQ, min/max levels, capacity, and constraints

Note: The job description indicates the general duties and responsibilities and may not include all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.