The Purchasing and Online Sales Manager plays a critical role as a school-wide service partner supporting our international organization. This position will work directly with our worldwide locations managing all purchasing requirements and related transportation/shipping logistics, the NOLS online store, and mailroom functions. 

The role is focused on driving continuous improvement in purchasing processes, negotiating and managing bulk purchase agreements for equipment, gear, supplies, and corporate travel discount programs, developing and managing NOLS online retail presence, and shipping and receiving activities. In addition, this role will coordinate purchasing for all NOLS retail locations at our branches worldwide.

Key Logistical Information:

• Start date: 2 Weeks from the time of offer.

• Benefits: eligible for Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending account, Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time off, 403(b), 403(b) contribution.

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does the Purchasing and Online Sales Manager do?

The role reports directly to the CFO and is considered a mid-level management position, which means you will be involved in the following activities:

• Negotiate contracts for NOLS that capitalize on our purchasing power to achieve maximum discount levels. 

• Negotiate corporate travel contracts with hotels and airlines.

• Develop, manage, and grow NOLS online store.

• Responsible for purchasing $2+ million in schoolwide equipment, office supplies, and more.

• Communicate regularly with vendors, customers, internal branch staff, and Finance.

• Supervise, hire, train, support, and evaluate purchasing, online store and mailroom roles.  Coordinate workloads for effective cross-training and back up.

• Prepare and oversee annual budgets for purchasing and online store.

• Project product needs for the online store & location transfers to ensure sufficient inventory.

• Annual physical inventory count and reporting. 

• Receive product orders for online store and international locations.

• Responsible for scheduling international shipments and preparing customs paperwork. 

• Educate NOLS staff and external contacts on procedures.

• Shared responsibility for managing day to day operations of the NOLS warehouse - Cirque Center. 

• Other duties as assigned.

What makes a great Purchasing Manager at NOLS? 

We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. We are looking for candidates with the skills listed below. We expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas.

• Previous experience in purchasing and online retail sales, prefer a minimum of 1 year of managerial experience. 

• Budget planning and management.

• Ability to work closely in a team/group setting

• Maintains positive and productive relationships with internal and external audiences.

• Must be able to balance multiple priorities and work independently.

• Must be proficient with spreadsheet applications and retail store applications.

• Requires strong supervision, organizational, computer, communication and analytical skills.

• Experience with Microsoft Business Center and Shopify software preferred. 

• Knowledge of or NOLS experience preferred.

• Forklift Certification preferred.

Who are we and what can we offer you?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help people step forward boldly as a leader.

We believe that anyone can be a leader; it is our role to provide the environment and training to help people discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and in remote wilderness areas around the world. We are an organization with heart, expertise, and wildness, and these qualities help us support powerful, authentic experiences.

NOLS really is a great place to work:

• We have locations in seven U.S. states, and six countries; and courses in all 50 U.S. states and over 10 countries.

• We have fantastic employee discounts on top outdoor gear brands

• We offer discounts on NOLS Courses for you and your family

• All employees can benefit of free Outdoor Equipment "Rental" at our various locations

• Insurance Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available at a special NOLS rate to seasonal employees. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits package. 

• Wellness Time: Accrued leave that may be used for many HR-approved reasons throughout the season.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access to counselors that are available 24/7 to assist employees with work-life balance concerns.

Next steps

All you need to do is start the process by clicking on the yellow button on the top right.

You’ll answer some questions that are related to your day-to-day job. After the job closes, your answers will go through our sift process: all answers will be anonymized, randomized and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers. If you are shortlisted, we’ll invite you to the next step, which includes an interview. 

Additional Information

NOLS can currently employ remote employees who have legal working rights in the United States.

Pre-Employment Check

• A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.

• NOLS participates in E-verify for U.S. employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location.

• Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with human resources and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact peopleteam@nols.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

Reasonable Accommodation

NOLS values community and fosters a sense of belonging for our employees and applicants. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace because they embody these values, as well as our operating principle of promoting a positive, safe, and learning environment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested at any point of the employment process, including during recruitment. Please email peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.