Purchasing Coordinator

Role Overview

• The Purchasing Coordinator aids the Purchasing Manager with the day-to-day operation of the purchasing department.
• Manage store inventory levels by placing orders, expediting existing orders, receiving orders, and tracking and reporting internal transfers and sales of products.
• Provide customer service via email or by phone to external customers and internal departments including special orders, returns, and other inquiries.
• Research new products and suppliers and make recommendations to the purchasing team, NOLS locations and other internal departments based on quality, price, and availability.
• Support NOLS’ retail expansion by identifying opportunities to broaden and refresh product offerings in response to customer insights, campus needs, and evolving market trends.
• Contribute to the full lifecycle of product creation and sale—from concept and photography to Shopify publication.
• Support visual merchandising, signage, and digital updates for both the physical and online stores.
• Work with the finance department on accounting and monthly reporting.
• Maintain and organize physical and digital records.
• Contribute to ongoing system improvements that align with NOLS’ procurement standards.
• Serve as secondary support to the Purchasing Manager for institutional orders and vendor coordination.
• Collaborate with the other departments on special projects and general marketing initiatives and to maintain consistency between store messaging and NOLS brand identity.
• Provide operational support for major events.
• Support giveaway programs and retail promotions.
• Collaborate with the marketing team on campaign development, storytelling, and photo/content sourcing.
• Assist in overseeing and provide backup support for the fulfillment functions (mailroom and online store).

Requirements

• Experience in customer service, both internally and externally, with excellent phone etiquette.
• Possesses the ability to work both as part of a team and independently, organize multiple duties, and prioritize workload in a rapidly changing and distracting work environment.
• Required skills include customer service experience, strong planning and logistics management, computer literacy, and excellent verbal and written communication.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, confidentiality required.
• NOLS work experience is helpful but not required.
• Demonstrates the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs independently.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible time off
• Course Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program