Associate Buyer

Home Science Tools is a successful, agile, growth-oriented online retailer of educational science products. Our mission is to inspire learning so that students grow and impact their world. Over the next five years, we expect our educational science products to positively impact over two million K-12 students in home, public, charter, and private schools, shaping a better world through them! We passionately pursue our mission while living out our core values of family, faith, wonder, growth, and stewardship. Visit the company website, for more information. The Associate Buyer supports product availability and cost management through accurate purchasing, inventory monitoring, logistics coordination, vendor communication, and sourcing support. This position performs routine supply-chain work within established procedures, follows up on orders and availability, and develops the knowledge and judgment needed for greater purchasing responsibility. PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES Purchasing Inventory Availability Logistics Coordination Vendor Management Cost Management Product Team Support PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Prepare and process purchase orders, ensuring accuracy, timely vendor acknowledgment, and proper documentation. Monitor open purchase orders through receipt and closure, following up with vendors and internal teams to resolve outstanding materials and receiving discrepancies. Monitor inventory levels, backorders, upcoming demand, and potential stockouts to identify and communicate availability concerns. Coordinate routine inbound shipments, freight arrangements, and delivery tracking, including support for domestic and international logistics. Maintain vendor relationships through regular communication, order follow-up, and resolution of routine supplier issues. Maintain accurate purchasing, vendor, inventory, logistics, and cost records in company systems. Obtain and compare vendor quotations, identify potential cost-saving opportunities, and support sourcing decisions. Support the Product Team with sourcing research, pricing, availability, and purchasing coordination for new products, launches, and product changes. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree in a related field preferred. Two or more years of relevant experience in purchasing, inventory, logistics, vendor coordination, or related work. Prior purchasing experience is helpful but not required. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills with excellent attention to detail and follow-through. Ability to work with purchasing, inventory, cost, and delivery information while building productive relationships with vendors and internal teams. Proficiency with Excel and other business software, with the ability to learn ERP and inventory management systems. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Competitive wage based on experience. Opportunity for company performance bonus. Paid time off includes PTO and nine holidays. Generous medical, dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Employee Stock Ownership and 401(K) plans with generous company contributions. LOCATION: Billings, Montana JOB TYPE: Full Time