LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is currently seeking an individual to join our team as Purchasing Specialist in Gainesville, FL. This position is responsible for handling administrative details of the purchasing process, acting as a liaison between departments and other functional areas within the company to ensure timelines and purchased needs are met.

Our Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurances available to full-time employees the first of the month after 60 days
• Medical premium discount based on rate of pay
• Supplemental insurances including life, cancer, accident, and disability
• Access to mental wellness resources and counseling through telehealth
• Free basic life insurance for full-time employees
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer match each pay period
• Employer funded retirement plan for vested employees & 403b offered
• Access to wages prior to pay day

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Perform all Essential Duties and Responsibilities listed in the Purchasing Assistant job description.
• Assist in the coordination and administrative support of the Purchasing team and department activities.
• Assist the Buyer with administrative and data entry processes by creating, entering, and reviewing supply and service requisitions in the purchasing information system in preparation of their release as Purchase Orders (POs).
• Assist in data entry and setup of new vendors and suppliers, supply and service items, and maintenance of vendor, product, and ordering information within the purchasing information system.
• Inform customers of supply issues, back orders, allocation, order tracing, delivery information, and verification when necessary.
• Maintain Standing Order files, make changes and updates to Standing Orders as requested. Notify department manager of pending order expirations, verify requested quantities, request quotes, and process requisitions for renewals.
• Develop and maintain computer files and hard copies of price quotations, ordering information, and purchasing documents as necessary.
• Obtain vendor quotes, examine bids, and compile information as requested or required, often using Excel applications.
• Interface with suppliers to support resolution of damage claims, rejections, losses, return of materials, over shipments, and cancellations. Coordinate with Finance/Accounting to resolve invoice and payment issues.
• Proactively monitor and access back orders, communicate with supplier to resolve issues, and escalate information to appropriate manager as necessary, but before supply disruptions negatively impact customers or LifeSouth operations.
• May monitor inventory levels in certain areas, maintain appropriate reorder alert levels, and help assess purchasing needs.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedule
• Basic computer skills in Word and Excel
• Must be able to do basic math, including addition, subtraction, proportion, and percentages
• Ability to organize and manage time effectively
• Ability to execute both independently and within a close-knit team environment
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Interact professionally with all customers, both externally and internally
• Valid driver’s license required. Must meet and maintain LifeSouth driver’s eligibility requirements
• College experience or Associate’s degree preferred
• One or more years of experience in purchasing, logistics, or similar work preferred
• Experience in general office duties including vendor communications, order processing, and tracking preferred

Who We Are

LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 150 hospitals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. We are committed to meeting the blood supply needs of hospitals and their patients by providing the highest quality blood components and services. With more than 45 donor centers, 55 bloodmobiles and 2,000 blood drives a month, our LifeSouth team is dedicated to making sure the blood is there when you or your family is in need.

This is a full-time position. Starting salary range is $16.00-$17.60 an hour. Criminal background check and drug screen required upon conditional offer of hire. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Drug-Free/Tobacco Free Workplace.

The position description may not include all the duties and responsibilities of the job. Duties and responsibilities that are not listed, but which the employee may be expected to perform, will fall within the scope of the skills, knowledge and training for the position.

LifeSouth is a Drug-Free and Tobacco-Free Workplace. LifeSouth is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor as well as an affirmative action employer and provides equal opportunity to all persons, regardless of race, religion, age, gender, disability, status as a protected veteran, national origin, color, or any other classification in accordance with federal, state, and local statutes, regulations and ordinances. Veterans are encouraged to self-identify as LifeSouth desires to provide protected veterans priority referrals for open positions. LifeSouth complies with all laws and regulations associated with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

If you require any assistance to complete the application process or during the interview due to a disability, please contact the LifeSouth region where you are applying or call 1-888-795-2707 to request an accommodation. Applications may be completed at a LifeSouth facility or mailed to corporate headquarters in lieu of the on-line application process.