Jobs › Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Pharmacy Purchaser

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Chicago, IL · $22.74–$37.84 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you saved money on purchasing without hurting patient care.

What they are checking: Whether they look for cost savings responsibly, since the posting stresses cost-effective purchasing.

Tell me about a time you worked with pharmacists to solve a supply problem.

What they are checking: Whether they collaborate well with the clinical team when supply affects patient care.

What would you do

A drug your patients need is on national backorder. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they find alternate sources or therapies with the pharmacist and keep patient care going.

You'll also do all the functions of a pharmacy technician. How do you balance purchasing with your tech duties?

What they are checking: Whether they can switch between ordering and dispensing work without letting either fall behind.

A wholesaler shipment arrives with the wrong quantities. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they document discrepancies carefully and resolve them with the vendor quickly.

About the work

You'll purchase volume items by contract for the Department of Pharmacy. How do you make sure you're paying the contract price?

What they are checking: Whether they check invoices against contract pricing and catch costly mistakes.

How do you decide how much of an item to keep on hand?

What they are checking: Whether they balance usage, lead times and expiration to avoid both shortages and waste.

How do you handle receiving and storing controlled substances?

What they are checking: Whether they know the strict documentation and security rules for controlled substances.

How do you manage recalls when a manufacturer recalls a medication you've stocked?

What they are checking: Whether they act fast to find and pull recalled products, which protects patients.

How do you watch for expired or soon-to-expire medications?

What they are checking: Whether they have a routine for rotating stock and removing expired drugs before they reach patients.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together. Job Description Summary The Pharmacy Purchaser will purchase, by contract, all volume items for RIC Department of Pharmacy. Will ensure cost effective purchasing and stock availability and will perform all functions of a Pharmacy Technician. The Pharmacy Purchaser will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute. The Pharmacy Purchaser will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties. Job Description The Pharmacy Purchaser will: • Maintain inventory within the Department ensuring adequate supply of pharmaceuticals. • Select vendors and manufacturers for pharmaceuticals and process purchase orders. • Provide correspondence to the department regarding delays, back orders, shortages, recalls, and anticipated release dates. • Process the return of outdated pharmaceuticals. • Oversee recall processes and notifications. • Prepare inventory reports for Director of Pharmacy. • Assist the SRAlab Purchasing Department in resolving discrepancies for lost or misdirected products. • Assist in training and orienting new personnel or students on departmental services and programs. • Assist the pharmacists in performing the monthly CII inventory. • Assist the pharmacists in adjusting inventory levels based on utilization reports and other measurable parameters. • Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Reporting Relationships: • Reports directly to the Manager, Pharmacy Operations. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: • Licensure as an Illinois Pharmacy Technician. • Minimum 2 years of experience in purchasing with knowledge of related principles, procedures and negotiating techniques. • Two years of hospital Pharmacy Technician experience preferred. • Associate's Degree preferred. • Interpersonal skills necessary to provide prompt and courteous service to external and internal customers of the Department of Pharmacy. • Ability to frequently bend, twist, reach, stand, sit, lift, pull, push, and walk. Working Conditions: • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Pay and Benefits*: Pay Range: $22.74 - $37.84 Benefits: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits *Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law. EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

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