Laboratories Services Buyer/Expediter

The Laboratory Services Buyer/ Expediter is responsible for ensuring the efficient flow of materials, equipment, and supplies required for laboratory operations. This role is crucial in maintaining an uninterrupted workflow within laboratories, which can be involved in research, testing, or production in collaboration with procurement operations and materials management.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

1. Technical Knowledge:
o Understanding of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and other specialized materials required in various lab settings.
o Familiarity with laboratory compliance regulations (such as safety standards or hazardous material handling).
2. Attention to Detail:
o High level of attention to detail when ordering, inspecting, and receiving supplies to ensure that items meet required specifications.
o Familiarity with handling hazardous or sensitive materials and ensuring they are stored and transported properly.
3. Communication Skills:
o Strong communication abilities to work effectively with laboratory staff, suppliers, and management.
o Clear and concise communication for reporting on inventory status, supply chain issues, or delays.
4. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
o Ability to anticipate potential supply shortages and resolve supply chain issues quickly.
o Quick decision-making skills to troubleshoot any logistical or operational challenges in the supply process.
5. Time Management and Organization:
o Excellent organizational skills to prioritize tasks and manage multiple orders or supply requests at once.
o Ability to efficiently process and deliver supplies without causing delays in laboratory operations.
6. Record Keeping and Documentation:
o Ability to keep detailed records of all incoming and outgoing supplies, orders, and inventory.
o Familiarity with software systems for tracking orders and managing inventories (e.g., ERP or laboratory information management systems).
7. Adaptability and Flexibility:
o Ability to adapt to changing needs or unexpected delays and still maintain workflow continuity.
o Flexibility to adjust priorities as laboratory demands shift.
8. Regulatory Compliance:
o Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations regarding the storage and handling of chemicals and biological materials.
o Ability to ensure that all supplies comply with health, safety, and environmental standards.

• Purchases a large volume of varied and complex commodities in a centralized purchasing program. Works with vendors to ensure the procurement of high-quality merchandise that are in line with specified costs, quality and delivery targets .
• Recommends changes in methods and procedures to improve systems of procurement and takes an active role in departmental program improvement initiatives.
• Weekly reporting of Statistics to Leadership on volume, opportunities and potential supply chain shortages/backorders .
• Develops and implement effective business practices and procedures.
• Maintenance of procurement records - i.e., collecting and analyzing data to generate and maintain data reports.
• Liaise between end-users and vendors regarding purchasing processes and purchase order inquiries.
• Work collaboratively with Accounts Payable/Receiving personnel, vendor sales support, and/or field representatives on invoice reconciliation and/or resolution of purchase order price, quality, delivery, or invoice issues .
• Performs area-specific activities.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Position Compensation Range: $20.68 - $32.05 Hourly

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Associate degree or Certified Profession in Supply Management required.

Experience: In lieu of Associate degree or Certified Professional in Supply Management, 3 years of Supply Chain Management, Inventory Control or Accounting experience required.

Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Job requirements: None required. Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.