Pharmaceutical Procurement Associate

Job Level : JL 2

Job Title  : Pharmaceutical Procurement Associate (Maternity Reliever)

Years of Experience : 2+ years

Mandatory Requirement : Licensed Pharmaceutical Technologist

About Ilara Health

At Ilara Health we are building a network of technology-enabled primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) delivering affordable, quality healthcare to Africas under-served communities by partnering with local providers across the continent. Founded by entrepreneurs passionate about the role technology can play in improving health outcomes, Ilara Health helps over 2,000 clinics spread across Kenya to deliver care to over 3 million patients each year. Ilara Health is a venture-backed company on an aggressive growth path and this is an opportunity to get into an exciting, early stage startup that is bound to make an impact on healthcare outcomes in Africa.

Ilara Health brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, including biochemists, data scientists, computer scientists, journalists, marketers, cybersecurity experts, and finance professionals. We are seeking team members who share our passion for primary healthcare, embrace bold questioning, and thrive on creating impactful solutions using technology. Committed to building a network of primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) that provide affordable, high-quality care to low and middle-income demographics in Africa, we are guided by our core values. These values shape our culture and actions. 'Get it done' reflects our dedication to excellence and delivering results for our clients. 'Growth is life' signifies our holistic approach to growth, embracing trial and error in our pursuit of excellence. 'Remember why we exist' anchors our focus on customers' needs, while 'Heart of a champion' propels us to go the extra mile. Our passion for 'Do it now' fuels innovation and learning, driving our commitment to improve healthcare access in Africa.

The Role

The Pharmaceutical Procurement Associate will be responsible for managing stock planning and inventory accuracy, ensuring seamless purchase order processing including controlled medications, reconciling received goods, maintaining supplier relations, and mapping new supplier product catalogs. This role involves close collaboration with finance, and suppliers to ensure optimal stock levels, accurate inventory records, and efficient operations.

Responsibilities:

• Stock Planning and Management:
  • Plan stock purchases based on demand forecasts to prevent stock outs.
  • Maintain accurate stock nomenclature, categorization, and inventory records.
  • Track out-of-stock items and ensure timely response with alternatives or updates on restocks.
• Purchase Order Management:
  • Ensure timely raising and fulfillment of purchase orders.
  • Maintain and update SKU pricing by sending RFQs to suppliers.
  • Collaborate with the supply manager to select appropriate suppliers and negotiate the best buying prices.
• Inventory Accuracy:
  • Maintain an up-to-date inventory system that accurately reflects physical stock.
  • Efficiently process backorders and special purchase orders, considering margins and delivery times.
• Order Reconciliation:
  • Receive procured orders and verify the accuracy of quantity, SKU, and price against negotiated terms.
  • Reconcile received goods with original requests and source alternatives for out-of-stock items.
• Supplier Relations:
  • Assist in negotiating favorable supply prices and credit terms with suppliers.
  • Ensure updated supplier contracts/documents.
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with suppliers in coordination with the supply manager.
• Product Catalog Mapping:
  • Map new supplier product catalogs, identifying stocked items and possible substitutes.
• Collaboration with Finance:
  • Work closely with the finance team to ensure supplier accounts are accurate according to agreed contract terms.
  • Share received invoices with the finance team in a timely manner.
• Collaboration with Customer Experience:
  • Partner with Customer Experience Leads to recommend alternatives for out-of-stock items.

Requirements:

• Diploma in Pharmaceutical technology or Bachelors degree in Pharmacy or a related field.
• Registration with the Pharmacy & Poisons Board is necessary and a valid pharmaceutical practicing license is preferred.
• Experience in stock management, inventory management, purchasing, order reconciliation, and supplier relations.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, organizational, and communication skills.

Who You Are:

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.