Category Buyer, Raw Materials

TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life. With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock ‘n’ roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT’s 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics.

The Category Buyer – Raw Materials supports procurement activities for aluminum, steel, wood, plastics, and other raw materials essential to manufacturing. This role combines tactical purchasing with opportunities to participate in strategic sourcing and category development. The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, and eager to deepen their understanding of raw material markets and sourcing strategies.

• Execute day‑to‑day purchasing to ensure timely material availability.
• Issue and manage accurate purchase orders, including pricing and lead‑time validation.
• Track and expedite shipments, resolving supply disruptions as needed.
• Support invoice matching and partner with Finance on discrepancy resolution.

• Assist with RFQs/RFPs, supplier evaluations, and cost analysis.
• Collect and analyze commodity trends, market data, and pricing benchmarks.
• Support cost‑reduction initiatives such as consolidation, value engineering, or alternative sourcing.
• Participate in TCO and should‑cost modeling activities.
• Support annual cost savings targets through cost analysis, alternative sourcing, and supplier negotiations.
• Track and report savings activities monthly, including cost avoidance and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with Category Managers to execute value engineering and productivity initiatives.

• Maintain routine communication with suppliers on order status and expectations.
• Contribute to supplier scorecards and quarterly performance reviews.
• Help identify performance gaps and elevate quality or delivery issues as needed.

• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production to align material specifications and demand.
• Support sourcing activities for New Product Introductions (NPIs).
• Participate in cross‑functional meetings to ensure procurement alignment with schedule and needs.

• Maintain accurate data in ERP and supplier master files.
• Follow procurement policies and compliance requirements.
• Assist in workflow improvements, documentation updates, and sourcing process enhancements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2–4 years of procurement experience, ideally in raw materials.
• CPSM/CIPS certification, or progress toward certification is considered a strong benefit.
• Familiarity with metals, wood, plastics, or related cost drivers.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Epicor, Oracle, Net Suite, etc.).
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment.

• Understanding of material specifications or production processes.
• Exposure to global sourcing or supplier qualification processes.
• Interest in developing toward more strategic category responsibilities.
• Experience supporting cost‑reduction or sourcing initiatives.

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.