Purchaser

Community Food Co-op; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 25,003 - 35,610; Full time

Job summary

Community Food Co-op is seeking a full-time Purchaser at the Co-op West Main location in Bozeman, MT. The role focuses on coordinating product orders, processing vendor purchases, and supporting inventory accuracy to ensure steady product flow and reliable availability.

You will work with department buyers and managers to optimize purchasing efficiency, manage costs, and maintain strong supplier relationships. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and handle varied shifts with some weekend hours.

Qualifications

• Experience in retail sales or purchasing that demonstrates the ability and aptitude to successfully meet the expectations listed above.
• Excellent decision-making, prioritization, and organization skills, and strong attention to detail.
• Experience working with email and MS Office software, especially Excel, Word, and Outlook, sufficient to communicate and prepare reports accurately and promptly, is desired.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business; early morning, daytime, evening, holidays, and weekend shifts may be required.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. throughout shift, occasionally up to 50 lbs; ability to stand for long periods and to bend and twist repeatedly; ability to lift product overhead and/or to climb ladders with product.
• Clean driving record for the last three years, and the ability to be trained to drive the CFC van and delivery trucks safely.
• Forklift and Crown Stacker certification may be required (can be obtained upon hire).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact and purchaser for all direct purchases, including from local vendors.
• Use established tools, policies, and systems to perform all aspects of inventory control, purchasing, and receiving—ensuring orders are accurately placed, received, tracked, and communicated across all designated areas.
• Evaluate purchasing needs using available tools such as sales reports, inventory review, kitchen pars/production changes, etc.
• Coordinate with and seek feedback from department managers for each area of purchasing responsibility.
• Record purchases, enter new item information, and update ingredient costs in appropriate tools/software applications per established timelines, as directed.
• Ensure orders are received in good condition according to Health Department standards and Co-op procedures; coordinate returns and credits with suppliers as necessary.
• Process all invoices according to Co-op policy; review invoices for accuracy, note discrepancies, and ensure proper credits are received.
• Provide feedback to managers regarding mis-picks, out-of-date, damaged, and poor-quality products.
• Develop and maintain cordial and professional relations with vendors; solicit promotional offerings and volume discounts as directed.

Skills

Retail purchasing experience

Decision making

Attention to detail

MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Flexible schedule

Forklift operation

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Co-op West Main - Bozeman, MT 59715
Salary Range: $22.00 Hourly
A full-time position is available. Shifts are on Wednesday 9am-4pm, Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-5pm. Experience in body care and supplements is a plus!

Purpose

Coordinate and place product orders across departments, process local and direct vendor purchases, and build strong vendor relationships. This role ensures efficient product flow throughout the store while supporting consistent quality, accurate inventory, reliable availability, and cohesive merchandising. Working closely with department buyers and managers, the Purchaser helps optimize product use, improve purchasing efficiency, and provide dependable backup for daily ordering needs.

Specific Responsibilities of the Co-op Purchaser

Purchasing and Receiving

• Serve as the primary point of contact and purchaser for all direct purchases, including from local vendors.
• Use established tools, policies, and systems to perform all aspects of inventory control, purchasing, and receiving—ensuring orders are accurately placed, received, tracked, and communicated across all designated areas.
• Evaluate purchasing needs using available tools such as sales reports, inventory review, kitchen pars/production changes, etc.
• Coordinate with and seek feedback from department managers for each area of purchasing responsibility.
• Record purchases, enter new item information, and update ingredient costs in appropriate tools/software applications per established timelines, as directed.
• Ensure orders are received in good condition according to Health Department standards and Co-op procedures; coordinate returns and credits with suppliers as necessary.
• Process all invoices according to Co-op policy; review invoices for accuracy, note discrepancies, and ensure proper credits are received.
• Provide feedback to managers regarding mis-picks, out-of-date, damaged, and poor-quality products.
• Develop and maintain cordial and professional relations with vendors; solicit promotional offerings and volume discounts as directed.
• Work with the Purchasing & Merchandising Manager and the Scan Manager, as directed, to maintain correct inventory information.
• Participate in product discovery and other category management steps as directed.
• Understand and implement Special Order purchasing according to department-specific practices.
• Adhere to the CFC Purchasing Policy.

Stocking, Merchandising, and Service

• Ensure shelves/coolers are fully and accurately stocked, with awareness of product rotation, dating, shelf appearance, out-of-stocks, and facings.
• Replenish shelves, endcaps, and floor displays, prioritizing promotional and fast-selling items.
• Rotate overstock into backstock. Maintain organization in storage areas, using location signs as needed.
• Collaborate with Purchasing Specialists to implement merchandising plans.
• Check coolers according to schedule and record temperatures in the temp log; promptly communicate any irregularities to your Manager or Facilities/Building Services Managers.
• Ensure shelf tags are accurate, current, correctly placed, and in good shape.
• Ensure that the Scan Department is promptly informed of direct vendors’ pricing.
• Assist with warehouse pulls and store transfers as needed.
• Cashier as directed; maintain alcohol certification.

Inventory Maintenance

• Work with your manager and the Scan & IT Manager to maintain accurate inventory. Count inventory and participate in cycle counts as directed.
• Communicate with the Purchasing team and department managers about inventory levels, out-of-stocks/product shortages, overstock, expiration dates, and any product concerns.

Equipment, Safety, and Maintenance

• Operate equipment, manual and electric jacks, forklift (as directed), and crown stacker (as directed), following all safety protocols to protect people, products, equipment, and facilities; obtain and maintain forklift and crown stacker certification if directed.
• Ensure equipment (manual and electric jacks, forklift, crown stacker, etc.) is maintained to the co-op’s operating standards, report equipment issues to your manager and the Facilities/Building Services Managers.

Qualifications

• Experience in retail sales or purchasing that demonstrates the ability and aptitude to successfully meet the expectations listed above.
• Excellent decision-making, prioritization, and organization skills, and strong attention to detail.
• Experience working with email and MS Office software, especially Excel, Word, and Outlook, sufficient to communicate and prepare reports accurately and promptly, is desired.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business; early morning, daytime, evening, holidays, and weekend shifts may be required.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. throughout shift, occasionally up to 50 lbs; ability to stand for long periods and to bend and twist repeatedly; ability to lift product overhead and/or to climb ladders with product.
• Clean driving record for the last three years, and the ability to be trained to drive the CFC van and delivery trucks safely.
• Forklift and Crown Stacker certification may be required (can be obtained upon hire).