As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, diversity, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

This position coordinates the entire purchasing process for all entities within a large department or division. This position is not responsible for providing care to patients.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

• Oversees the purchasing of equipment and supplies needed for the daily operations of a department, including research activities.
• Obtains bids, selects vendors and negotiates prices in order to determine the most cost-efficient products.
• Plans and implements the purchasing system to accomplish objectives within the department.
• Evaluates system effectiveness and makes modifications as needed.
• Participates in growth planning to forecast equipment and supply needs, taking in consideration personnel and increases in grant funds.
• Makes recommendations for providing sufficient resources to handle needs of the future.
• Resolves problems regarding orders, ensures that warranty repairs are made, and examines merchandise received for quality.
• Maintains a database in order to provide an accurate record and inventory of supplies.
• Educates employees in proper purchasing procedures, determines the most effective communication methods for reaching all employees, and provides ongoing training to keep faculty and staff updated with new processes and procedures.
• Prepares reports which assist personnel in keeping track of orders and status of accounts.
• Oversees the maintenance of equipment inventory.
• Determines the status of merchandise received, resolves problems, and coordinates the return of wrong or damaged items with vendors.
• Implements and maintains a mechanized purchasing process in order to expedite orders in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrated excellent organizational and decision making skills.

• Ability to evaluate, plan and implement improvements to the purchasing process.

• Ability to maintain and account for current inventory that may be spread throughout several locations.

Qualifications

Required

• Four (4) years of purchasing or business experience, or the equivalency.
• Experience with database management.
• Depending upon department of hire, a valid, State of Utah Driver's License may be required.

Preferred

• Supervisory experience.
• A background in electronic transfer systems.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This is a sedentary position in an office setting that may exert up to 10 pounds and may lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. This position involves sitting most of the time and is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Carrying, Climbing, Color Determination, Crawling, Far Vision, Lifting, Listening, Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Pulling and/or Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Stooping and Crouching, Tasting or Smelling, Walking