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Pharmacy Purchasing Technician - Full Time - Variable
Mohawk Valley Health System
Utica, NY, USA
USD 19.15-24.89 / hour
Posted on Aug 27, 2025
Job Summary
The Pharmacy Purchasing Technician is responsible for managing and optimizing the acquisition of pharmaceuticals and related supplies for a large health system with 373 inpatient beds, a robust 340B drug-pricing program, and a dedicated infusion center while also servicing medical groups. This role ensures timely, cost-effective procurement while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and organizational regulations, and supporting safe patient care across inpatient, outpatient, and infusion services.
Core Job Responsibilities
Inventory Management & Procurement
Monitor par levels and usage patterns for inpatient, outpatient, and infusion medications; generate purchase orders to maintain optimal stock. Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate pricing and contracts with wholesalers, manufacturers, and GPOs to secure the best value. Process emergency and special‐order requests promptly to avoid delays in patient care.
Vendor & Contract Management
Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and contract managers to streamline order fulfillment. Review and reconcile invoices, contract terms, and pricing agreements; resolve discrepancies in partnership with finance and contracting teams.
Data Entry & Systems Maintenance
Accurately enter purchase orders, receipts, and adjustments into the pharmacy management system (e.g., McKesson, Cerner). Generate and analyze procurement reports to identify cost-saving opportunities, forecast demand, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
Cross‐Functional Collaboration
Work closely with clinical pharmacists, nursing leadership, and the infusion center team to anticipate upcoming therapies and special compounding needs. Partner with finance and supply chain departments to align budgeting, capital planning, and inventory reduction goals.
Regulatory & Quality Assurance
Stay current on USP standards, 340b program rules, DEA controlled substance regulations, and state pharmacy laws; ensure all purchasing activities comply. Participate in internal audits, quality improvement initiatives, and safety committees to uphold pharmacy standards.
Continuous Improvement
Identify process inefficiencies and propose workflow enhancements or system upgrades. Assist in training and mentoring new purchasing staff and pharmacy technicians on procurement policies and 340B best practices.
Other
Related duties as assigned. Job requires ability to work at multiple locations within the health system.
Education/Experience Requirements
REQUIRED:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- 1 year of experience in pharmacy purchasing, supply chain purchasing, or materials management purchasing—preferably within a hospital or health-system setting.
- Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
PREFERRED:
- Familiarity with GPO contracting and group purchasing agreements.
- Excellent oral and written communication; ability to collaborate across clinical and administrative teams.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills, initiative, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
- Working knowledge of 340B program requirements for drug purchasing.
- Proficiency with pharmacy information systems (e.g., Pyxis, Omnicell, McKesson, Cerner and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
Licensure/Certification Requirements
PREFERRED:
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
Disclaimer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, et al), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability.
Successful candidates might be required to undergo a background verification with an external vendor.
Job Details
Req Id 95493
Department INPATIENT PHARMACY
Shift Variable
Shift Hours Worked 7.50
FTE 0.94
Work Schedule CWAT
Employee Status A1 - Full-Time
Union 2005 - CWA
Pay Range $19.15 - $24.89 Per Hour