Pharmacy Purchasing Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Overview and Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Pharmacy Manager, this role is responsible for the procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies in alignment with Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) and other contract agreements. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining the pharmacy purchasing database with current contract pricing, coordinating with Accounts Payable to ensure timely invoice payments and receipt of credits, and supporting the Pharmacy Manager in managing medication backorders and contract refund reconciliations to prevent financial loss. The role also involves monitoring inventory to ensure adequate supply for daily operations within budget parameters, minimizing expired product waste, and training staff in basic procurement procedures.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Procurement of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies

• Procure pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for the inpatient pharmacy

• Supervise all purchasing activities, including purchase orders, vendor electronic systems, and receiving processes

• Ensure all medications are purchased at contract prices through appropriate distribution channels

• Notify vendors, the Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), and the Pharmacy Manager if contract prices are not honored

• Reconcile purchase orders (POs) with invoices to ensure accuracy in pricing and quantity

• Coordinate with Materials Management for the requisition of store supplies (e.g., syringes, IV solutions)

• Maintain compliance with purchasing policies and budget guidelines

Financial and Budgetary Accountability

• Make fiscally responsible purchasing decisions aligned with departmental budgets

• Prepare and reconcile invoices and POs for Pharmacy Manager review and sign-off

• Work with Accounts Payable to match POs and invoices and ensure timely payment

• Prepare monthly purchasing logs categorized by drug sub-accounts for financial reporting

• Ensure all vendor credits are received and processed in collaboration with Accounts Payable

Inventory Management

• Maintain just-in-time inventory for the inpatient pharmacy

• Monitor stock levels to ensure adequate supply for daily operations

• Check product expiry dates regularly and coordinate removal and documentation of expired items

• Submit and track credit requests for expired products with vendors

• Coordinate lending and borrowing of medications with other hospitals and retail pharmacies

• Supervise proper storage and documentation of inventory records

• Assist the Pharmacy Manager in planning and executing the annual physical inventory count and validation

Medication Backorder Management

• Notify the Pharmacy Manager of medication backorder issues

• Investigate backorder causes and estimated resolution times by contacting vendors

• Assist in identifying and managing clinically appropriate substitute medications

• Monitor inventory levels of substitute medications during the backorder period

• Submit and reconcile charge-back credit requests to the GPO or vendors for higher-priced alternatives

Training and Support

• Train pharmacy technicians on basic pharmaceutical procurement procedures and tools

• Support process improvements and compliance with procurement protocols

Corporate Responsibilities:

• Participate in all mandatory training requirements and work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, company Policies and Procedures, as well as established industry guidelines

Skills & Qualifications:

• Completion of a recognized Pharmacy Technician training program at the community college level is required

• Registration in good standing as a Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT) with the Ontario College of Pharmacists is required

• Minimum of 5–7 years of related experience in hospital pharmacy purchasing is required

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to clearly present complex ideas to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and external stakeholders

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively

• Maintains confidentiality with discretion and sensitivity regarding confidential information

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of developing and implementing effective solutions

• Ability to lead, delegate tasks and motivate team members

• Demonstrated experience in mentoring or training junior staff

• Computer proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with Meditech is an asset

• Comprehensive knowledge of pharmacy laws and regulation

• Satisfactory passing of a criminal record check/vulnerable sector check

• Provide proof of Immunization and TB records

Schroeder Ambulatory Centre is a non-profit medical facility dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Ontarians through accessible, outpatient healthcare. Opening in late 2025, the Centre will offer a comprehensive range of clinical, diagnostic, and surgical services in alignment with its mission to reduce pain, improve mobility, and streamline healthcare delivery.

In collaboration with hospital and academic partners, Schroeder Ambulatory Centre aims to strengthen public health capacity and drive innovation in care, ensuring a more efficient and compassionate healthcare experience for the community.

At Schroeder Ambulatory Centre, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates. If you require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process due to a disability or medical condition, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met in a respectful and confidential manner.

We appreciate all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Company Description

Schroeder Ambulatory Centre is a non-profit medical facility dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Ontarians through accessible, outpatient healthcare. Opening in late 2025, the Centre will offer a comprehensive range of clinical, diagnostic, and surgical services in alignment with its mission to reduce pain, improve mobility, and streamline healthcare delivery.\r\n\r\nIn collaboration with hospital and academic partners, Schroeder Ambulatory Centre aims to strengthen public health capacity and drive innovation in care, ensuring a more efficient and compassionate healthcare experience for the community.\r\n\r\nAt Schroeder Ambulatory Centre, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates. If you require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process due to a disability or medical condition, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met in a respectful and confidential manner.\r\n\r\nWe appreciate all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.