Tri-City Medical Center has served San Diego County’s coastal communities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista, as well as the surrounding region for more than 60 years and is one of the largest employers in North San Diego County. Tri-City is administered by the Tri-City Healthcare District, a California Hospital District. As a full-service acute care public hospital with over 500 physicians practicing in over 60 specialties, Tri-City is vital to the well-being of our community and serves as a healthcare safety net for many of our citizens. The hospital has received a Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission showcasing a commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community. 

Tri-City Medical Center prides itself on being the home to leading orthopedic, spine and cardiovascular health services while also specializing in world-class robotic surgery, cancer and emergency care. Tri-City’s Emergency Department is there for your loved ones in their time of need and is highly regarded for our heart attack and stroke treatment programs. When minutes matter Tri-City is your source for quality compassionate care close to home. Tri-City partners with over 90 local non-profit and community organizations as part of our COASTAL Commitment initiative. Together we are helping tackle some of our communities’ pressing health and social needs.

Position Summary:

The Pharmacy Buyer is responsible for procuring medications and supplies from appropriate sources and ensuring proper storage to maintain their quality and integrity. The Pharmacy Buyer, under the supervision of a Pharmacy Director, oversees the 340B program, performs inventory management activities that ensure adequate stocks of medications, purchasing contract compliance, effective cost management, and compliance with laws and regulations. Working cooperatively with hospital and pharmacy staff you will ensure pharmacy services are provided in a timely manner.

Major Position Responsibilities:

The position characteristics reflect the most important duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job in a fully competent manner. They should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. The characteristics of the position and standards of performance may be changed by TCMC with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

• Researches and purchases drugs and the drug supplies through multiple vendors, with the goal of maintain appropriate stock levels and achieving maximum contract compliance with current group purchasing programs.
• Responsible for receipt, review and submitting approved invoices to Finance.
• Expedite purchase orders and resolve discrepancies.
• Identify vendors to provide generics at lowest cost, responsible for annual inventory, including scheduling.
• Responsible for all activities involved in the procurement and record keeping of pharmaceuticals including FDA manufacturer drug recalls.
• Performs activities involved in the coordinating of annual inventory.
• Prepares Pharmacy for yearly inventory by ensuring that all medications are labeled with bar code label and in their appropriate location.
• Reviews printed inventory results for accuracy and adjust as necessary.
• Assists Pharmacy personnel in locating drugs, supplies, or cost data as assigned.
• Evaluate data and monitor drug purchases to ensure the program is being used to the fullest potential and within legal guidelines.
• Responsible for 340B project management to include chairing the 340B workgroup to ensure solution design by the team, implementation of guidelines, and project results.
• Responds to all requests regarding the progress of the organizations 340B activities.
• Serves as the liaison for 340B software vendors and wholesale distributors to manage and oversee compliance with contractual terms and conditions.
• Provides education and support to facility buyers as it pertains to the 340B program.
• Effectively communicate 340B information to others.
• Maintains a working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing pharmacy and the 340B HRSA program.

Safety and Infection Control Responsibilities:

• Responsible to maintain a safe and clean work environment, including unit based specific safety and infection control requirements.

Qualifications:

• Two (2) – Five (5) years of previous pharmacy buying experience, preferred.
• Knowledge with pharmacy computer systems, word processing, spreadsheet programs and Internet, required.
• Ability to interact with outside vendors, nursing staff, physicians and pharmacy staff effectively.
• Minimum of Five (5) years experiences in healthcare, required.
• Brand/generic name knowledge, required.

Education:

• High School diploma or GED required.

Licenses:

• California Pharmacy Technician License, required.

Each new hire candidate who is offered employment must pass a physical evaluation, urine drug screen and pre-employment background checks before starting work. 

*Salary/Hourly wage range for this position is posted.  Actual pay will be determined based on verified experience as well as internal equity.

TCHD is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression), age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.