Purchasing Specialist

Location: Irving, Texas – Prize and Merchandise Purchasing Specialist (reports to the Director of Prize and Merchandise).

Responsibilities

• Review and approve all safety tests; maintain safety logs and files.
• Scan, file, and log all safety reports and Certificates of Conformity (COCs).
• Maintain factory inspection files for factories from which CEC purchases directly and for which CEC is the importer of record.
• Create and maintain COCs (Certificates of Conformity or Compliance).
• Support international franchise locations with ordering, safety testing, and product inquiries.
• Process safety testing charges and maintain associated logs.
• Place opening orders for new CEC and PPP locations.
• Maintain vendor relationships to address issues with urgency.
• Set up new vendors in accounting and inventory systems; process wire transfer requests as needed.
• Perform new item setups in POS and NBO.
• Maintain and follow up on Certificates of Insurance for vendors.
• Review all direct import invoices.
• Receive, approve, and maintain product samples; manage production samples from suppliers.
• Assist with product selection as needed.
• Maintain merchandise data by adding and removing items and monitoring inventory levels.
• Assist in developing SOPs for field displays and partner with L&D to communicate changes and protocols to store operations.
• Monitor and manage all inventory issues, adjustments, and repacks.
• Monitor the Merchandise and Purchasing email inboxes and serve as backup support.
• Create purchase orders.
• Update merchandise order guides in Smartsheet and NBO to ensure accurate order forms are available to CEC locations.
• Provide store support related to merchandise and purchasing.
• Prepare department reports as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in supply chain, merchandising, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Technical aptitude and the ability to learn Teams, web‑conferencing software, and other CEC‑specific applications.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of auditing standards, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.
• Excellent work ethic and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Physical Demands

The incumbent must be able to sit, walk, stand, bend, twist, reach, and carry, lift, pull, or push between 1–25 lb. Use a computer with repetitive hand movements. Work an 8‑hour shift with some overtime and be available to travel by airplane or vehicle as needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Job training and career growth opportunities.
• “Work Today, Get Paid Tomorrow” payroll model.

About the Company

CEC Entertainment, LLC (“CEC”) is a nationally recognized leader in family dining and entertainment, operating the iconic Chuck E. Cheese, Peter Piper Pizza, and Chuck’s Arcade brands. Chuck E. Cheese celebrates over half a million birthdays annually, emphasizing safety through programs like Kid Check® and community support, having donated more than $24 million to schools and nonprofits. In 2025, Chuck E. Cheese received the “Best in STEM” award and was named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces. Peter Piper Pizza offers a neighborhood pizzeria experience with quality food, engaging entertainment, and the motto “The Fun is Baked In.” CEC and its franchisees operate nearly 600 Chuck E. Cheese locations and over 120 Peter Piper Pizza venues across 45 states and 18 countries, fostering a culture of diversity, fun, and play for families everywhere.