Buyer & Product Specialist

The Buyer & Product Specialist is responsible for sourcing products and materials, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring all products meet applicable safety, regulatory, quality, and compliance requirements. This role serves as the primary liaison between suppliers, testing laboratories, and internal stakeholders to ensure products are delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with applicable regulations. This role serves as NIHF's primary resource for consumer product safety, regulatory compliance, product testing, and supplier quality assurance. The position works closely with domestic and international suppliers, third-party testing laboratories, and internal stakeholders to ensure all products meet applicable safety standards, including ASTM F963, CPSIA, CPSC requirements, and related regulatory obligations. Position Responsibilities:

• Source domestic and international suppliers for toys, educational products, promotional items, packaging, and program materials.

• Prepare and evaluate RFQ’s, negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, minimum order quantities, and freight terms.

• Issue and manage purchase orders and supplier contracts.

• Ensure products comply with all applicable regulations and standards including:

• CPSIA

• ASTM F963

• CPSC Requirements

• FCC Requirements (when applicable)

• Label and Warning Requirements

• Review and maintain product compliance documentation, coordinate product testing, review laboratory reports, certificates, and technical files.

• Assist with defect investigations and root cause analysis, support corrective and preventive actions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent negotiating and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to respond to and meet changing deadlines.

• Ability to multi-task and respond to all requests in a timely manner.

• Understanding of international logistics.

• Attention to detail and highly organized.

• Ability to prioritize.

• Ability to regularly work in the office and attend in-person meetings

• Ability to communicate effectively via email, chat, phone, and in-person meetings

• Requires regular, reliable, and on-time attendance.

Credentials and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, procurement, engineering, or related field.

• 3-5+ years of experience in consumer product compliance, toy safety, quality assurance, sourcing, or product testing.

• Experience with consumer products, toys, or educational products.

• Experience with ASTM F963, CPSIA, CPSC requirements, Children's Product Certificates (CPCs), and product safety testing.

• Experience with children's products, toys, educational products, STEM products, promotional products, or related consumer goods.

• Proficiency with ERP software; experience utilizing Business Central 365 is preferred.

• Understanding of international sourcing and manufacturing.

• Knowledge of third-party testing laboratories.

Why Join the National Inventors Hall of Fame?

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Enjoy top-tier medical, dental, 100% employer paid vision, and insurance plans, along with flexible spending accounts to help pay for any out-of-pocket medical expenses.

• Company-Paid Benefits: NIHF contributes 100% to provide life and disability coverages.

• Secure Your Future: Benefit from our 401(k) plan with up to a 4% employer match and 100% vesting upon initial contribution, ensuring your financial stability and growth.

• Generous Time Off: Take advantage of paid time off, paid holidays, and a year-end closure from December 24th through January 1st to recharge.

• Additional Support: Access Critical Illness, Hospital, and Accident Supplemental Income plans for extra peace of mind.

• Pet-Friendly Perks: Protect your furry friends with our pet insurance plans.

• Stay Fit and Healthy: Utilize our on-site workout facility to maintain your physical well-being.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Enjoy alternate workday scheduling and the option for hybrid remote work after 90 days, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

• Thriving Work Environment: Be part of a great team environment with ample opportunities for growth and a culture that prioritizes professional development.