Buyer, Product Development
Taco, Inc.
Salary undisclosed
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Description
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 Buyer, Product Development purchases products and services in accordance with established company policies and procedures. 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:
- Improve the efficiency of purchasing materials for prototype builds
- Timely purchase of material for first article inspection (FAI) and manage FAI process
- Accurate purchase of material for initial launch as required
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 (FIAs)
- 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
- 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
- Perform other duties as requested
Qualifications
Required:
- Associate degree in Business
- 3+ 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
- 5+ 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 2 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
#TacoComfortSolutions
Benefits
- remote work
- tuition reimbursement
About this role
Taco, Inc. is seeking a Buyer for Product Development to manage purchasing and vendor relationships in support of new product launches and research initiatives. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, quality, and production, requiring someone who can navigate the full procurement lifecycle—from requesting quotes and managing first article inspections to resolving material issues and coordinating international imports. You'll work closely with engineering, quality, and production teams to ensure timely delivery of materials for prototype builds, FAI processes, and initial production runs, while maintaining vendor relationships and inventory levels aligned with company goals.
The ideal candidate brings at least three years of buying experience, a solid foundation in Microsoft Office and ERP systems, and strong communication skills to manage both internal stakeholders and external suppliers. An Associate degree in Business is required; a Bachelor's degree is preferred. You'll spend most of your time in an office environment, though occasional visits to the production plant are part of the role, and you'll have the flexibility to work from home up to two days per week once you're established in the position.
Taco is a family-owned operation with nearly 1,000 employees worldwide that emphasizes professional development, competitive benefits, profit-sharing, and workplace wellness. The company offers tuition reimbursement, on-site training, and a collaborative culture focused on innovation and growth. This is a full-time, hybrid role based in Cranston, Rhode Island, with no supervisory responsibilities.
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Pay for this role
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