Lab Associate Buyer

Job Title: Lab Associate BuyerJob Description

The Lab Associate Buyer is responsible for the accurate and timely procurement of supplies and equipment in accordance with contract terms. This role involves working within a centralized team to support internal customers, maintain supplier relationships, and identify cost-saving opportunities while maximizing contract utilization.

Responsibilities

• Process orders for equipment, specialty supplies, inventory, and standing orders. Create and transmit supplier purchase orders via EDI, phone, internet, or email. Document confirmations, expected receipt dates, and backorders. Expedite orders and coordinate approved substitutions as needed. Negotiate pricing for off-contract items.
• Support customers with supply ordering by maintaining order templates and advising on cost-saving opportunities such as minimum orders, standing orders, and delivery schedules within supplier contracts. Coordinate new site setups and orient customers on ordering, product transfers, and disposal processes. Assist in training newly assigned Purchasing staff.
• Analyze product usage to identify savings opportunities by comparing contracted distributor and manufacturer-direct pricing. Document savings and identify items for negotiated pricing. Serve as a resource for product and supplier information and collaborate with departments on product specifications and selection.
• Verify pricing against contract agreements and resolve discrepancies. Partner with Accounts Payable, Suppliers, and Contracts to ensure timely invoice payment. Address payment delays, shipment issues, product quality concerns, and expedite deliveries when necessary.
• Obtain quotes and negotiate pricing for specialized products. Research contracts for items not listed in the internal purchasing system. Recommend products based on supplier proposals and overall value.
• Initiate and manage data updates within the internal purchasing system, ensuring accurate and non-duplicative product records. Coordinate purchase order price updates with the data analyst. Procure supplies and minor equipment for multiple facilities. Authorize daily non-capital purchases up to $450,000. Support all internal departments and collaborate with suppliers and clients as needed.

Essential Skills

• Experience in indirect goods and services purchasing, MRP, and MRP systems.
• Ability to manage back orders, expedite reports, and inventory.
• Experience in working with lab supplies and open orders.
• Proficiency in handling supplier investigations and healthcare procurement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.
• Effective communication with internal customers and suppliers.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet and word processing software.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 2-3 years of buying experience.
• Additional purchasing experience and knowledge of procurement procedures.
• Experience with internal purchasing systems.
• Additional related education.
• Passion for healthcare, detail-oriented, critical thinking, and ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in MS Excel.

Work Environment

This is a remote work-from-home position, but candidates must be within a 2-hour driving distance of the corporate office in Phoenix for occasional meetings or trainings. The first two days on the contract will be on-site at the Phoenix location for training and onboarding equipment, including a SQL laptop computer. Working hours are Monday through Friday, with options of 7am - 4pm, 8am - 5pm, or 6:30am - 3:30pm. Team meetings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30am for collaboration and questions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Phoenix, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.27 - $37.90/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.