Purchasing Specialist

The Purchasing Specialist is responsible for procuring goods and services for the organization as an agent for the company. Must be able to work on-site in the Corporate Miramar, Florida office Monday- Thursday, and Fridays from home. 8am- 5pm work schedule.

All duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with VITAS Healthcare Corporation’s policies, procedures, guidelines, contractual commitments and governmental regulations.

• Receives requisitions from a variety of sources. Contacts departments for clarification or additional information or details via telephone, email or ticketing system.
• Estimates values according to knowledge of market pricing. Identifies cost savings opportunities based on past, present and expected projections and market opportunities.
• Researches vendors from a variety of usual and unusual sources. Confers with vendors to obtain product or service information such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.
• Determines best method of procurement. Evaluates vendors based on quality, timeliness and price.
• Prepares electronics purchase orders in Financial software as People Soft.
• Reviews bid proposals and negotiates purchases within budgetary limitations and scope of authority, including mode of transportation.
• Approves commitments to purchase goods and services within scope of authority.
• Expedite delivery of goods to users.
• Maintains procurement records such as items or services purchased costs, delivery, product quality or performance.
• Prepares a variety of reports and letters utilizing personal computer system and equipment.
• Discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action.
• Reviews monthly invoices to ensure proper charges and allocation to departments. Forward approved invoices for payment approval.
• Attend meetings, training activities, courses and all other work-related activities as required.
• Performs related duties as required. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor or management.
• Assist in the implementation of new national account agreements for all company locations.
• Assists is procurement / negotiations of travel expense management agreements, such as hotel and car rental discount programs.
• Identifies & implements specific tactics to drive cost savings in product categories in line with the strategies identified by department management.
• Coordinates with internal teams to monitor inventory and determine supply needs
• Acts as liaison between internal customers and vendors to ensure effective service delivery, including but not limited to coordinating vendor business review meetings.
• Drafts, explains, and implements instructions, policies, and procedures for purchasing and contract management. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.  Experience :
• 2-3 years purchasing experience specializing in office related products and services. Working knowledge of purchasing concepts, practices and procedures.
• Ability to work on various assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate tactfully, verbally and in writing with department heads, managers, coworkers and vendors to resolve problems and negotiate resolutions.
• Working knowledge of computers, internet access, and the ability to navigate within an automated purchasing system as well as variety software packages such as PeopleSoft, Teams Outlook, and Word.
• Proficient in Excel
• Knowledge of Financial Analysis or accounting is a plus  Education :   Associate degree or Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)Bachelor's degree a plus Reasonable Accommodations : Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.