Sr. Buyer, Product Development

As a family-owned and operated company, we feel a special obligation to the employees who comprise our Taco family.  We are committed to offering employees access to the tools necessary to live long and productive lives. We strive to instill in all of our employees:

• A positive mental attitude that helps us to be a leader in the industry
• A commitment to building strong relationships, both inside and outside the organization
• A desire to learn, grow, and contribute to moving our strategy forward
• A need to create and to innovate

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

Shift:  1st Shift

Work Status: Hybrid

Position Summary

The Senior Buyer for Product Development purchases products and services in accordance with established company policies and procedures. They research and manage approval of new vendors based on department needs in conjunction with corporate procurement and company standards. They mentor and support growth and development of the product development buyer. They are responsible for the timely delivery of products and services as required to support research, new product development and the new product launch production plan. They establish and maintain good company/vendor relationships as well as manage levels of raw inventory in accordance with company and department goals and objectives.

Measures of success: 

• Timely management of new product handoff to production buyers and planners 
• Accurately research and manage new vendor approval 
• Improve/maintain project expense and capital to budget 

Responsibilities 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Request quotes for raw materials, tooling, equipment, supplies, etc. 
• Work with the quality department to request first article inspections (FAIs) 
• Manage FIAs by ensuring all sign-offs received from required departments 
• Provide resolution of rejected material by working with engineering and the vendor to take care of any issues and request new samples 
• Develop, monitor, and receive purchase orders  
• Lead and / or participate in supplier negotiation activities 
• Work with customs broker and company legal assistant on international imports 
• Work with engineering to resolve long lead items 
• Transfer information over to the production buyers 
• Research and manage new vendor approval 
• Maintain new product development (NPD) project expense and capital  
• Coach and mentor for skill and knowledge development of the product development buyer 
• Support the development of new and existing buyers by mentoring and / or leading training sessions 
• Develop and manage policies and procedures for product development purchasing in conjunction with corporate procurement and company standards 
• Participate in the monthly Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process 
• Perform other duties as requested 

Qualifications

Required:

• Associate degree in Business 
• 7+ years of experience in buying 
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)  
• Strong experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems 
• Excellent organizational, communication and teamwork skills 
• Ability to maintain a professional working relationship with internal and external customers and suppliers 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Travel required to conferences, customer / rep sites, etc. 

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business  
• 10+ years of experience in buying 

Work Environment:

This position works primarily in an office environment using computer and technology.  Verbal and auditory capability are required.  Occasional exposure in production plant where large equipment and noise are prevalent.  Safety gear is required in these areas. 

This position may work from home up to 1 day/week if performance is in good standing. 

This position has no direct reports.

Benefits

With nearly 1,000 people working at Taco worldwide, each with their own story, you will discover a sense of community and diverse, intelligent colleagues who help us innovate, create and explore.

Taco employees benefit from a company that:

• Provides competitive salaries and benefits
• Offers tuition reimbursement, career development, and on-site training programs in our learning center
• Believes in sharing profits with its employees
• Is mindful about family, health and well-being
• Fosters conditions that allow people and communities to reach their full potential
• Embraces and celebrates diversity

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