PLEASE APPLY THOSE WHO HAVE WORK IN ONLINE PHARMACY
Role and Responsibilities of a Purchaser in an E-Commerce Pharmacy
A purchaser (also called a procurement officer or purchase executive) in an e-commerce pharmacy plays a critical role in ensuring the right medicines and healthcare products are available, at the right price, at the right time. Here's an overview:
Role of the Purchaser
The purchaser acts as the link between the pharmacy business and its suppliers (pharmaceutical distributors, manufacturers, and wholesalers). Their core purpose is to procure genuine, quality medicines and healthcare products in appropriate quantities while optimizing costs and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
1. Procurement of Products
Identifying and sourcing medicines, OTC products, wellness items, and medical devices based on demand
Placing purchase orders with authorized distributors and stockists
Ensuring products are procured only from licensed suppliers (with valid drug licenses, GST registration, etc.)
2. Vendor Management
Identifying, evaluating, and selecting reliable suppliers
Negotiating prices, discounts, credit terms, and delivery schedules
Maintaining good relationships with vendors and resolving disputes
Periodically reviewing vendor performance (quality, timeliness, pricing)
3. Inventory and Demand Planning
Coordinating with the inventory/warehouse team to monitor stock levels
Forecasting demand using sales data, seasonal trends (e.g., flu season), and marketing campaigns
Avoiding both stock-outs (which lead to cancelled orders) and overstocking (which risks expiry and blocked capital)
Managing reorder levels and safety stock
4. Quality and Compliance
Verifying that purchased medicines are genuine, not expired, and have adequate shelf life
Checking batch numbers, manufacturing/expiry dates, and proper invoicing
Ensuring compliance with drug regulations (in India, for example, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and rules on scheduled drugs)
Ensuring cold-chain products (insulin, vaccines) are procured and transported under proper temperature conditions
5. Cost Control and Negotiation
Comparing quotations and negotiating the best purchase prices and margins
Tracking market price fluctuations and scheme/discount offers from suppliers
Reducing procurement costs without compromising quality
6. Documentation and Record Keeping
Maintaining purchase orders, invoices, goods receipt notes (GRN), and payment records
Keeping records required for audits and regulatory inspections
Managing returns of expired, damaged, or near-expiry stock to suppliers
7. Coordination with Other Departments
Working with warehouse/operations for timely goods receipt and storage
Coordinating with finance for payments and credit management
Supporting the catalog/listing team with correct product details, pricing, and availability updates on the website/app
8. Handling Returns and Expiry Management
Processing purchase returns for damaged, defective, or expired goods
Negotiating expiry return policies with suppliers
Pay: ₹17,000.00 - ₹25,000.00 per month
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
