The Job in a Nutshell:

The Purchasing Assistant – Private Label supports the Natural Grocers Private Label program performing essential administrative tasks, assistance on special projects, and coverage as needed. The Purchasing Assistant is expected to support the purchasing department as a whole and will have some responsibilities outside of the private label program as need arises.

Applications are accepted by the date below, which may be updated if the hiring timeline is extended.

02/18/2026

Main Ingredients:

Inventory, Shrink & Cost Management

1. Responsible for compiling and maintaining Private Label stock & shrink data, providing reporting and analysis, and assisting with follow up communications.
2. Place Central Buy Requests as directed by the Private Label Manager.
3. Review UNFI shrink invoices and dispute erroneous charges with guidance from the Private Label Manager.
4. Submit manager specials to manage short‑dated inventory once approved by Private Label Manager.
5. Communicate manager specials and other inventory concerns to the store crew.
6. Assist with product recalls, returns, and credits.
7. Communicate recalls with complete, concise information for stores to act on as directed by the Private Label Manager.
   
   

Data & System Management

1. Maintain Private Label vendor and article data including, but not limited to, attributes, costs, promotion data, and contact information.
2. Maintains Private Label product information including the store-facing OneNote, marketing resources, and the Private Label SharePoint.
3. Review UNFI Private Label cost changes and communicates unexpected or large cost changes.
4. Use BOBJ, SAP, and other electronic resources to fulfill the duties of the position.
   
   

Help Desk, Customer Support & Issue Resolution

1. Triage Private Label Help Desk & Customer Service tickets.
2. Answer store crew and customer questions directly regarding private label products and/or assist Customer Service crew with customer questions as needed.
3. Communicate with vendors about quality concerns so they can investigate and provide a response.
4. Escalate quality concerns to decision makers when appropriate.
5. Resolve Help Desk tickets quickly and accurately.
6. Work with individual stores on any pertinent questions that may arise.
   
   

Product Launch Support

1. Support the launch of new Private Label products.
2. Participate in prospective product reviews and provide feedback.
3. Assist in setting up new private label vendors and articles.
4. Keep abreast of Natural Grocers ingredient and quality standards.
5. Communicate upcoming product launches to store crew and provide merchandising instructions.
6. Support new product launches by verifying stores receive new items.
   
   

Promotions & Marketing Support

1. Support the Private Label Manager with promotional initiatives.
2. Proof marketing collateral that impacts Private Label.
   
   

Cross-Functional Collaboration

1. Work with all SSC crew members to accomplish cross‑functional goals.
2. Maintain partnering relationships with internal teams for seamless execution of Private Label initiatives.
3. Maintain strong partnerships and professional, exceptional communication across all internal and external relationships.
4. Work with vendors and brokers to answer questions and maintain required paperwork.

Although this is a general outline of job responsibilities all employees are expected to be “hands on” and do whatever it takes to get the job done and make the company thrive.

Recipe for Success:

1. Minimum High School Diploma
2. Minimum 2 years of experience in the natural foods industry with a working knowledge of schematics and merchandising; supplement and nutrition experience a plus
3. Must have Intermediate or better Microsoft Excel experience
4. Experience managing projects from inception to completion
5. Must be detail oriented with excellent organization skills
6. Strong relationship building, and influencing skills
7. Excellent communication skills are required
8. Ability to work as part of a team and independently
   
   

This job description is not an employment contract.  It does not guarantee a job or that the above listed duties are the limit of responsibilities.  The job and job description are subject to change with and without notice.  Employees are required to accomplish any and all tasks assigned to him/her by their manager and/or other Store Support Center manager that might not be listed in this job description.

Here’s an overview of the benefits we offer our good4u Crew to help ensure the health and wellbeing of you and your family, now and well into the future:

All Crew Members

• Birthday Bonus Pay 
• Vitamin Bucks (up to $2,080 earned as store credit annually) 
• Holiday Pay for 5 Holidays – Stores Closed
• Paid Time Off (sick days and vacation) that Increases with Tenure 
• Paid Nutrition Education 
• good4u Crew Member Discount  
• {N}power Program (customer appreciation and rewards program) 
• Regular, Scheduled Pay Increases  
• Advancement Opportunities and Career Development 
• Health and Wellness Program  
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)   
• Employee Referral Program

Full-Time Crew Members (30+ hours/week)

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• Paid Parental Leave  
• Paid Medical Leave (through company paid short-term disability insurance) 
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance  
• Company Paid Life Insurance 
• Voluntary Benefits Including Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Term Life Insurance   
• Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with discretionary Company Match  
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)  
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match 

Diversity Statement

At the heart of Natural Grocers' commitment to our community and crew is this belief: All people should be empowered to experience health and wellbeing! We cannot be true to this conviction without honoring diversity and cultivating inclusion throughout every aspect of our organization.

At Natural Grocers, we honor our differences, embrace diversity, and cultivate inclusion because both individual and societal health are rooted in these principles. Our Crew is diverse not only in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, abilities, and age but also in cultural backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas. Celebrating our diversity refreshes, expands, and shapes our perspective, energizing our mission of equitable access to health and wellness for all. We welcome everyone who would like to join us in this mission, with gratitude for the unique life experience each person brings to the table. We’re committed to nurturing an ecosystem of diversity and inclusion in which our Crew can continue to thrive.

Physical Capabilities and Environmental Demands:

N = Never

O = Occasional; 1-33% of time

F = Frequent; 34-66% of time

C = Constant; 67-100% of time

Physical Requirements:

• Must have the ability to constantly lift or carry up to 10 lbs., frequently lift or carry 11-20 lbs., and occasionally lift or carry 21-50 lbs. Must also have the ability to occasionally lift or carry 51-100 lbs. with a team lift.
• Must have the ability to frequently push or pull up to 15 lbs. and occasionally push or pull 16-100 lbs.
• Must be able to occasionally use the computer for data entry and use of mouse.
• Must be able to constantly walk, stand, use fine motor manipulations, grip, bend, twist, turn, and reach outward for the duration of the work shift.
• Must be able to frequently to reach above chest.
• Must be able to occasionally sit, squat, kneel, and climb as needed.

Environmental Requirements:

• Must be able to frequently work with sharp tools and equipment, dust, fumes, and congested worksite.
• Must be able to occasionally work with noise, cold, heat, wet, humid, outside, heights, and contact stress.