Buyer & Product Specialist

National Inventors Hall of Fame; North Canton (OH); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Hybrid work after 90 days

Job summary

The National Inventors Hall of Fame in North Canton, OH seeks a Buyer & Product Specialist to source domestic and international toys, educational products, and program materials. You will manage supplier relationships, issue POs, and ensure products meet safety and regulatory standards, including CPSIA, ASTM F963, and CPCs.

You’ll collaborate with testing labs and internal teams to deliver on time, within budget, and with compliant documentation, while driving cost savings and supplier quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3–5+ years of experience in consumer product compliance, toy safety, QA, sourcing, or testing.
• Experience with ASTM F963, CPSIA, CPSC requirements, CPCs, and product safety testing.
• Proficiency with ERP software; experience with Business Central 365 preferred.
• Understanding of international sourcing and manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Source domestic and international suppliers for toys, educational products, promotional items, packaging and program materials.
• Prepare and evaluate RFQs, negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, MOQs and freight terms.
• Issue and manage purchase orders and supplier contracts.
• Ensure products comply with CPSIA, ASTM F963, CPSC requirements, FCC where applicable, label and warning requirements.
• Coordinate product testing, review lab reports and technical files; maintain compliance documentation.
• Assist with defect investigations and root cause analysis; support CAPA actions.

Skills

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, procurement, engineering, or related field

Tools

Business Central 365 (ERP)

Job description

At the National Inventors Hall of Fame ® (NIHF), we’re always growing, innovating and building inspiring experiences. Each one of us is empowered to do meaningful work that sparks creativity in communities across the country.

Want to be a part of something monumental? Explore new opportunities to join our dynamic nonprofit.

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.

Medical

Choose from three different major medical plans, accommodating all levels of employment and income.

401(k)

We offer 100% employer match, up to 4% of your annual salary, and options for both pre‑tax and Roth contributions.

Keep smiling with comprehensive dental plan coverage.

Vision

Your eyes are taken care of too, with comprehensive vision plan coverage.

On‑Site Gym

Stay active with our on‑site workout facility.

Quarterly Training Program

Keep learning with the 20+ trainings we offer to all employees each quarter.

Social Events

Get involved in a variety of wellness activities and social events, and grab lunch with scheduled on‑site food trucks.

Life and Disability

All eligible employees get a free $25,000 basic life insurance policy, and voluntary plans are available too.

Flexible Spending Account

Choose from our options for a medical and dependent care flexible spending account.

Supplemental Income

We make critical illness, accident and hospital plans available.

Employee Assistance Program

Any time you need it, you’ll have access to counseling and advice that’s 100% anonymous.

Flex Schedule

With our flexible workday schedule program, our team achieves a better work‑life balance while maintaining our core business hours.

Eligible employees may choose to work remotely, up to two days per week, after initial training period ends.

Paid Time Off

Enjoy a flexible PTO plan and paid holidays, including a paid year‑end closure.

Working here gives us the opportunity to induct and collaborate with world‑changing innovators , recognize emerging inventors and inspire children to realize their potential through education programs including Camp Invention ® . And as you might expect, ingenuity is rewarded here. Over 46% of us have earned a promotion — so far.

To see how we keep growing as we connect great inventors with the next generation, follow us on LinkedIn.