Supply Chain Buyer in Lake Forest, California at Del Taco, LLC

Job Title: Supply Chain Buyer

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Department: Supply Chain

Reports To: Director, Supply Chain

Position Summary:

The Supply Chain Buyer provides professional procurement and contract management support to all Del Taco company-owned and franchised restaurants. This role is responsible for ensuring continuous product availability at the lowest possible cost while maintaining Del Taco's quality standards. The position directly contributes to company sales, profitability, and operational efficiency by managing supplier relationships, negotiating competitive contracts, and supporting new product development initiatives.

Essential Job Functions:

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• 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