Jobs › Southern Illinois Healthcare
Pharmacy Purchasing & Inventory Specialist, Full Time
Posted Sep 16, 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 found a way to cut cost or waste in an inventory process.
What they are checking: Whether they can analyze and recommend savings, which the posting asks for.
How do you work with Materials Management when pharmacy and supply needs overlap?
What they are checking: Collaboration with other departments to avoid duplicate orders and gaps.
How have you helped a pharmacy manager with a budget or spending report?
What they are checking: Comfort with numbers and reporting that support budget decisions.
What would you do
A critical drug is on national shortage and you are down to two days of stock. What do you do?
What they are checking: Resourcefulness in finding alternatives and alerting pharmacists early rather than running out.
How do you coordinate site-to-site sharing so one hospital does not run short while another has extra?
What they are checking: Logistics thinking across multiple facilities, which is central to this role.
Your inventory count does not match the system for an expensive drug. What steps do you take?
What they are checking: Methodical investigation of a discrepancy, which may point to error or diversion.
About the work
What do you know about 340B purchasing, and what goes wrong when it is not managed well across sites?
What they are checking: Understanding of 340B compliance risks like diversion and duplicate discounts, which carry real penalties.
How do you decide par levels for medications across several facilities?
What they are checking: Balancing usage, shortage risk and cost when inventory is shared between sites.
Walk me through how you handle returns and expired medications.
What they are checking: Knowledge of reverse distribution and credit processes that save money and keep stock safe.
What wholesaler or purchasing systems have you used?
What they are checking: Hands-on experience with the tools used to place orders and track inventory.
How do you handle receiving and recording controlled substances?
What they are checking: Careful chain of custody and records that DEA rules require.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Southern Illinois Healthcare.