Associate Buyer
McKesson, Irving, TX, United States
Position Summary
The Associate Buyer supports purchasing and inventory execution by carrying out day‑to‑day buying activities, coordinating with suppliers on routine matters, and maintaining data accuracy. Works within established processes and approved buying parameters under moderate supervision, with work reviewed for accuracy and overall adequacy, escalating non‑routine exceptions as needed, while building foundational buying and supplier‑management skills.
Key Responsibilities
Execute purchase orders based on system demand signals, inventory targets, and approved buying parameters.
Ensure timely placement, confirmation, and follow‑up of orders to support service level and fill rate objectives.
Monitor open purchase orders and resolve routine discrepancies (pricing, quantities, delivery dates).
Escalate exceptions, shortages, and allocation issues to Buyer or Senior Buyer as needed.
Inventory Monitoring & Risk Identification
Monitor inventory levels for assigned items to identify potential overstock, shortages, or slow‑moving risk.
Flag inventory and supply risks using established reports and dashboards.
Support inventory health initiatives by executing recommended actions within defined guidelines.
Work with Inventory and Operations teams to address routine day‑to‑day execution issues and escalating non‑routine issues as needed.
Data Accuracy & System Maintenance
Maintain accurate item, cost, lead‑time, and supplier data in purchasing and inventory systems.
Validate data inputs and outputs to ensure alignment with contracts and internal controls, and escalating discrepancies per established procedures.
Support item setup, maintenance, and cleanup activities to improve data quality.
Identify data discrepancies and escalating systemic issues for resolution.
Supplier Coordination & Communication
Communicate with suppliers regarding order status, confirmations, delivery timing, and basic issue resolution.
Track supplier responsiveness and execution issues and provide observations to Buyer/Senior Buyer for awareness and follow‑up.
Support supplier file maintenance and documentation.
Participate in supplier interactions primarily focused on execution, not negotiation.
Reporting, Process Support & Development
Prepare and distribute routine purchasing and inventory reports.
Support category reviews, audits, and internal requests for information.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to purchasing processes and controls as assigned.
Build foundational buying, analytical, and system skills through training and on‑the‑job learning.
Minimum Requirements
Degree or equivalent and typically requires 2+ years of relevant experience.
Bachelor’s degree preferred; however, candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Critical Skills
2+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical supply chain, inventory management, or distribution operations.
Working knowledge of purchasing fundamentals, inventory management concepts, and supply chain basics.
Strong analytical and Excel skills with attention to detail and data integrity.
Ability to follow defined processes while learning to apply judgment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Additional Knowledge & Skills
Inventory management: Pharma supply chain, availability cycles, allocation processes.
Coordination: Coordinate communication between sales, distribution centers, suppliers, and procurement for routine execution topics, escalating as needed.
Problem‑solving: Resolve routine order exceptions and availability issues; escalating complex issues per established process.
Attention to detail: Accurate product availability data and exception tracking.
Proactive communication: Identify potential issues early and keep internal partners informed, aligning communications to established guidance.
Working Conditions
Environment: Office.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to travel up to 30% of the time.
Hybrid Position: Expected to work on‑site at the Las Colinas office a minimum of two (2) days per week.
Compensation
Base pay range: $29.42 – $49.03 per hour. Additional compensation may include an annual bonus or long‑term incentive opportunities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
McKesson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other legally protected category. For additional information on McKesson’s full Equal Employment Opportunity policies, visit the Equal Employment Opportunity page.
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The Associate Buyer supports purchasing and inventory execution by carrying out day‑to‑day buying activities, coordinating with suppliers on routine matters, and maintaining data accuracy. Works within established processes and approved buying parameters under moderate supervision, with work reviewed for accuracy and overall adequacy, escalating non‑routine exceptions as needed, while building foundational buying and supplier‑management skills.
Key Responsibilities
Execute purchase orders based on system demand signals, inventory targets, and approved buying parameters.
Ensure timely placement, confirmation, and follow‑up of orders to support service level and fill rate objectives.
Monitor open purchase orders and resolve routine discrepancies (pricing, quantities, delivery dates).
Escalate exceptions, shortages, and allocation issues to Buyer or Senior Buyer as needed.
Inventory Monitoring & Risk Identification
Monitor inventory levels for assigned items to identify potential overstock, shortages, or slow‑moving risk.
Flag inventory and supply risks using established reports and dashboards.
Support inventory health initiatives by executing recommended actions within defined guidelines.
Work with Inventory and Operations teams to address routine day‑to‑day execution issues and escalating non‑routine issues as needed.
Data Accuracy & System Maintenance
Maintain accurate item, cost, lead‑time, and supplier data in purchasing and inventory systems.
Validate data inputs and outputs to ensure alignment with contracts and internal controls, and escalating discrepancies per established procedures.
Support item setup, maintenance, and cleanup activities to improve data quality.
Identify data discrepancies and escalating systemic issues for resolution.
Supplier Coordination & Communication
Communicate with suppliers regarding order status, confirmations, delivery timing, and basic issue resolution.
Track supplier responsiveness and execution issues and provide observations to Buyer/Senior Buyer for awareness and follow‑up.
Support supplier file maintenance and documentation.
Participate in supplier interactions primarily focused on execution, not negotiation.
Reporting, Process Support & Development
Prepare and distribute routine purchasing and inventory reports.
Support category reviews, audits, and internal requests for information.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to purchasing processes and controls as assigned.
Build foundational buying, analytical, and system skills through training and on‑the‑job learning.
Minimum Requirements
Degree or equivalent and typically requires 2+ years of relevant experience.
Bachelor’s degree preferred; however, candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Critical Skills
2+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical supply chain, inventory management, or distribution operations.
Working knowledge of purchasing fundamentals, inventory management concepts, and supply chain basics.
Strong analytical and Excel skills with attention to detail and data integrity.
Ability to follow defined processes while learning to apply judgment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Additional Knowledge & Skills
Inventory management: Pharma supply chain, availability cycles, allocation processes.
Coordination: Coordinate communication between sales, distribution centers, suppliers, and procurement for routine execution topics, escalating as needed.
Problem‑solving: Resolve routine order exceptions and availability issues; escalating complex issues per established process.
Attention to detail: Accurate product availability data and exception tracking.
Proactive communication: Identify potential issues early and keep internal partners informed, aligning communications to established guidance.
Working Conditions
Environment: Office.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to travel up to 30% of the time.
Hybrid Position: Expected to work on‑site at the Las Colinas office a minimum of two (2) days per week.
Compensation
Base pay range: $29.42 – $49.03 per hour. Additional compensation may include an annual bonus or long‑term incentive opportunities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
McKesson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other legally protected category. For additional information on McKesson’s full Equal Employment Opportunity policies, visit the Equal Employment Opportunity page.
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