The posting
JOB SUMMARY:
The Buyer is responsible for executing procurement activities that support PathGroup laboratory operations, Client Supply programs, and affiliated locations. This position manages the purchase order lifecycle, including order placement, supplier follow-up, receipt confirmation, backorder resolution, standing order management, and inventory replenishment activities.
The Buyer plays a critical role in maintaining service levels, ensuring supply continuity, and supporting organizational growth as PathGroup continues to add new clients, health systems, and laboratory locations.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
General
- Support PathGroup's mission, vision, goals and management decisions.
- Must be familiar with and abide by the Corporate Compliance Program and all Corporate policies, including the Privacy and Security policies.
- Demonstrate commitment to internal customer service, operational accuracy, and supply continuity.
- Collaborate effectively with Supply Chain, Laboratory Operations, Finance, and vendor partners.
Procurement & Order Management
- Create and process daily purchase orders for laboratory supplies, equipment, and services in accordance with company policies.
- Monitor open purchase orders through receipt and ensure timely supplier follow-up, shipment confirmation, and delivery resolution.
- Coordinate with suppliers regarding order accuracy, pricing discrepancies, lead times, substitutions, shipment status, and delivery commitments.
- Resolve purchasing issues including backorders, shortages, damaged shipments, missed shipments, substitutions, and invoice or receiving discrepancies.
- Maintain, review, and coordinate standing orders and recurring replenishment programs to support operational requirements.
- Escalate critical supply disruptions and coordinate corrective actions with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
Client Supply & Multi-Site Support
- Execute purchasing activities supporting all client locations receiving supplies through PathGroup.
- Coordinate orders for supplies shipped directly to client locations or into the client supplies warehouse near the Nashville laboratory.
- Support purchasing requirements for dermatopathology laboratories located in other states and new laboratory site implementations.
- Partner with operational teams to support uninterrupted supply availability for client-facing programs and newly onboarded accounts.
- Support increased purchasing volume associated with client growth and the addition of new laboratory locations.
Inventory Management & Analysis
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels to meet operational needs while minimizing excess stock.
- Analyze usage trends and recommend adjustments to reorder points and safety stock levels.
- Conduct regular inventory reconciliations and cycle counts to ensure data accuracy.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to forecast demand and adjust procurement strategies accordingly.
Vendor & Supplier Coordination
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable supply chains.
- Assist in evaluating vendor performance, identifying risks, and addressing service-level concerns.
- Support contract negotiations by providing data-driven insights on pricing and supplier performance.
Data & Reporting
- Utilize Excel, D365, and other analytics tools to generate reports on procurement performance, spending trends, and cost-saving opportunities.
- Monitor key procurement metrics (e.g., order accuracy, fulfillment rates, cost variances) and develop action plans for improvement.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements in all purchasing activities.
Process Improvement and Cross-Functional Coordination
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in procurement operations.
- Act as a liaison between procurement, finance, and operations to ensure seamless workflows.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Work with other departments within PathGroup and subsidiaries.
- Nothing in the job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION & LICENSURE:
- High school diploma or GED is required.
- Bachelor's degree is preferred.
- An equivalent combination of education and relevant procurement, purchasing, inventory, or supply chain experience will be considered.
REQUIREMENTS:
- One to five years of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, inventory management, warehouse operations, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience working within an ERP system, materials management system, or purchase order environment is required.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required.
- Strong organizational, communication, follow-up, and problem-solving skills are required.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, multi-location environment is required.
- Experience supporting healthcare, laboratory, distribution, client supply, or multi-site operations is preferred.
