Supply Chain Buyer

• Product Availability & Supplier Management
• Ensure continuous product availability to Del Taco distributors and restaurants through effective sourcing, contracting, and supplier management.
• Anticipate, identify, and quickly resolve product availability issues and chronic supply challenges.
• Supplier Qualification & Performance Assessment
• Evaluate new and existing suppliers by conducting facility visits to assess production capabilities, manufacturing practices, and quality standards.
• Contracting & Cost Management
• Solicit, analyze, and compare supplier proposals to make award recommendations that optimize quality, price, and service.
• Maintain pricing at or below market indices using negotiations, cost/price analysis, value engineering, and development of alternate suppliers.
• Inventory & Production Management
• Manage production schedules and inventory levels at manufacturers and distributors to ensure reliability, minimize supply risk, and prevent obsolete inventory.
• Supplier Development & Optimization
• Identify and develop additional supplier partners to support business growth and achieve the lowest total cost of ownership.
• Distributor Management
• Ensure availability and accurate pricing at authorized distributors for all assigned products.
• New Product Introduction (NPI) Support
• Collaborate with R&D on sourcing and innovation for new items.
• Negotiate and manage supplier responsibilities related to new product tests and introductions.
• Ensure timely availability of all assigned ingredients for tests, promotions, and national rollouts.
• Other Duties
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned. Duties may change due to business needs, emergencies, workload fluctuations, growth, or technical advancements.

• Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Food Science, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in QSR purchasing/procurement or a closely related function preferred.
• Technical Skills
• Working knowledge of procurement principles, purchasing law, and contracting terms preferred.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, including the ability to build spreadsheets, apply formulas, graph data, and produce professional deliverables.
• Professional & Analytical Skills
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and re-prioritize as needed.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; able to interact effectively with all levels of management and restaurant operations.
• Ability to analyze data and develop sound contracting recommendations using judgment, problem solving, and financial analysis.
• Ethics & Compliance
• Maintain the highest ethical standards in all interactions with suppliers, franchisees, and coworkers.
• Work Environment & Travel
• Ability to work occasionally in restaurant and distribution environments (hot kitchens, coolers, freezers).
• Ability to travel up to 10%, including out-of-state air travel.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable local transportation required.

Offering $90,000 - $110,000 / Annual