Buyer (Inventory - Warehouse), Purchasing

Buyer (Inventory Management), Purchasing

Entity: Aga Khan University

Location: Karachi

Introduction to the Aga Khan University:

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous and self-governing international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries distributed across three continents. As an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries in which it exists and has campuses, programmes and/or teaching hospitals in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda and the UK. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact and access; and AKU is a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change.

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

Job Role / Responsibilities:

Responsible for maintaining optimal stock levels of essential medical and non-medical supplies across the hospital. This role includes managing inventory lifecycle from reordering, monitoring stock levels, coordinating with stakeholders, and managing expiries to ensure uninterrupted supply to critical units. The role demands close coordination with Procurement, end-users, Warehouse, and suppliers to uphold efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance in the inventory function.

Specifically you will be responsible for:

Inventory Monitoring & Reordering:

• Track and maintain optimal stock levels of medical and non-medical supplies, ensuring timely reordering based on consumption patterns and lead times.
• Set reorder levels and ensure compliance with reorder point policies, optimizing stock turnover and reducing stockouts.

Expiry Management:

• Regularly check and manage inventory expirations, ensuring items near expiration are flagged and prioritized for use or returned to suppliers where possible.

Coordination with Stakeholders:

• Collaborate with Procurement for timely purchase orders and support Warehouse operations for smooth receiving, storage, and dispatch.
• Coordinate with clinical and non-clinical users to understand their requirements and adjust inventory levels to meet demand accurately.

Vendor and Supply Chain Coordination:

• Collaborate with suppliers and logistics partners to ensure timely delivery and resolution of any supply issues, including returns or replacements.
• Evaluate supplier performance in terms of delivery timelines, quality, and responsiveness.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate inventory records and generate regular reports on stock levels, turnover rates, and consumption trends for management review.
• Use ERP systems to generate reports, track stock movements, and manage inventory replenishment processes.

Continuous Improvement and Compliance:

• Identify and implement process improvements in inventory management to increase efficiency and reduce wastage.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, regulatory standards, and safety protocols in handling medical supplies.

Eligibility Criteria / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or 14 Years of Education (preferably in Supply Chain Management)
• Professional certification in inventory or supply chain management is a plus.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience (preferably in inventory or supply chain management)
• Previous experience of using ERP systems or inventory management software
• Inventory Management Expertise: Understanding of inventory lifecycle, forecasting, stock management, and supply-demand alignment.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse stock levels, demand patterns, and consumption rates to make data-driven decisions.
• Coordination and Communication: Excellent people skills for effective coordination with Procurement, Warehouse, and clinical staff.
• Attention to Detail: High attention to detail to monitor expiry dates, manage stock records, and avoid inventory loss or misplacement.
• Technology Proficiency: Proficiency in ERP systems and MS Office, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
• Problem-Solving: Quick critical thinking skills to address and resolve inventory shortages, delays, or discrepancies efficiently.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.