Purchasing Specialist

MedPharm; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MedPharm in Durham, NC is seeking a Purchasing Specialist to manage the procurement of raw materials, APIs, lab consumables, and manufacturing equipment. This role ensures on-time supply while meeting CGMP requirements and regulatory deadlines.

You will lead end-to-end procurement, nurture supplier relationships, collaborate across QA, Warehouse, Manufacturing, and Project Management, and drive cost savings through data analytics. A Bachelor’s degree with 5–7 years of experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or Life Sciences/Chemistry, or equivalent experience.
• 5–7 years of progressive procurement or buyer experience in pharma/biotech/contract manufacturing.
• Knowledge of purchasing principles and CGMP guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end procurement from quotes to purchase orders and shipments.
• Manage supplier relationships, negotiations for pricing, terms, and delivery.
• Ensure sourced materials meet GMP CGMP standards.
• Collaborate with QA, Warehouse, Manufacturing, and PM to resolve supply issues.
• Monitor stock levels of critical materials to prevent bottlenecks.
• Analyze spending patterns and market trends to drive cost savings.
• Maintain documentation on approved vendors, contracts, and pricing in ERP.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and negotiate favorable terms.

Skills

Procurement execution

Vendor management

GMP compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Inventory control

Data analytics

Record keeping

Cost savings

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or Life Sciences/Chemistry

Tools

ERP system

Job description

A Purchasing Specialist drives the tactical and strategic acquisition of raw materials, APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), laboratory consumables, and manufacturing equipment. They ensure seamless supply chain operations to meet strict client and regulatory deadlines.
Core Responsibilities

• Procurement Execution: Manage the end-to-end procurement process, from evaluating vendor quotes to issuing purchase orders and tracking shipments.
• Vendor Management: Manage supplier relationships, identifying, qualifying, and negotiating with suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favorable terms, and reliable delivery schedules.
• GMP Compliance: Ensure all sourced materials meet strict pharmaceutical standards and follow Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) guidelines.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Quality Assurance, Warehouse, Manufacturing, and Project Management to resolve supply disruptions, quality discrepancies, and invoice issues.
• Inventory Control: Monitor stock levels of critical raw materials, safety stock, and specialized lab supplies to prevent production bottlenecks.
• Data Analytics: Analyze spending patterns, track market trends, and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or compliance.
• Record Keeping: Maintain up-to-date documentation on approved vendor lists, supplier contracts, and pricing histories in an ERP system.
• Cost Savings: Identify cost savings opportunities and negotiate price and terms for purchases

Key Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a Life Sciences/Chemistry field, OR, similar and equivalent experience.
• Experience: 5-7 years of progressive procurement or buyer experience, ideally in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or contract manufacturing sectors. In-depth knowledge of purchasing principles and practices.