Supply Chain Operations Lead

Provides day-to-day operational leadership across Central Supply, Receiving, and Purchasing under the Manager of Supply Chain & Central Supply. Coordinates staff workflow, inventory, receiving, and purchasing to ensure safe, timely, accurate, and cost-effective supplies for pediatric inpatient units and outpatient clinics. Supports clinical teams, the Value Analysis Committee, and continuous improvement using GHX and department data.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Management and Inventory Control
· Coordinate supply storage, distribution, and replenishment for units, clinics, carts, and emergency kits.
· Monitor usage and PAR levels; recommend adjustments to maintain stock and reduce excess inventory.
· Lead cycle counts and physical inventories, reconcile discrepancies, and maintain accurate inventory records.
· Rotate stock, monitor expiration dates, and remove expired, recalled, or damaged items to reduce waste.
Receiving and Purchasing
· Verify receipts against purchase orders (POs), including item, quantity, condition, and unit of measure; resolve discrepancies and record receipts promptly.
· Prepare and process purchase orders within approved authority, follow up on open orders, and confirm delivery dates.
· Track shortages and backorders; coordinate clinically approved, formulary-aligned substitutions and communicate changes to staff.
· Work with vendors and internal teams to resolve incorrect orders, returns, credits, and price discrepancies.
Value Analysis Committee and GHX
· Participate in and support the Value Analysis Committee with product, usage, cost, and vendor information; coordinate evaluations and approved product changes.
· Use GHX for supply chain analytics, electronic data interchange (EDI) and order performance monitoring, and follow-up on price discrepancies and vendor/order issues.
· Track department metrics such as inventory accuracy, stockouts, expiration waste, and order performance; report trends and support continuous improvement.
Staff Workflow and Clinical Customer Service
· Guide daily assignments and priorities across Central Supply, Receiving, and Purchasing; train staff and escalate staffing or performance concerns to the Manager.
· Provide coverage for the Receiving/Purchasing and Central Supply teams when supervisors, leads, or other staff needed for team coverage are unavailable due to paid time off (PTO).
· Respond promptly to routine and urgent clinical supply needs; resolve product questions and communicate supply issues to care teams.
Compliance and Safety
· Follow hospital policies, formulary and contract requirements, infection control practices, and applicable Joint Commission, OSHA, and other regulatory standards.
· Ensure safe supply and equipment handling, appropriate PPE use, and timely reporting of safety or quality concerns.
Additional Functions
· Assist with supply distribution and delivery, retrieval, and cleaning of reusable equipment as needed.
· Participate in the Central Supply weekend rotation.
· Report to the Manager of Supply Chain & Central Supply; carry assigned communication devices and respond promptly.
· Maintain knowledge of pediatric supplies, product interchangeability, processes, and suppliers.
· Adjust to operational needs and perform other duties as assigned.
· Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
· Experience: At least 3 years of central supply, receiving, purchasing, or healthcare supply chain experience, including staff training or daily workflow coordination. Healthcare experience required; pediatric hospital and formal lead experience preferred.
· Certification: None required.
· Skills:
o Knowledge of medical and pediatric supplies, inventory/PAR management, receiving, and purchasing.
o Understanding of formulary compliance and clinically approved product substitutions.
o Strong organization, accuracy, problem-solving, and ability to prioritize daily team workflow.
o Ability to meet the physical requirements listed above.
o Effective communication, staff guidance, teamwork, and clinical customer service skills.
o Proficiency with inventory/purchasing systems and Excel; GHX experience preferred, with ability to learn required functions
La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
La Rabida is a place unlike any other. We understand the needs of families with children dealing with the most serious or complicated of conditions. With teams of the best healthcare providers in Chicago, we give continuous, comprehensive care, education, and support, helping families face their unique obstacles head-on.
La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.