Buyer / Planner II

KITCO Fiber Optics, Inc.

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

At KITCO Fiber Optics, we are a leading provider of fiber optic termination products and consulting services to the military and commercial communications industry. We specialize in the design and fabrication of fiber optic tools, tool kits, and custom cable assemblies. We also produce private label kits for a number of major connector manufacturers and sell our own broad line of products. Our field services division also performs on-site termination, splicing, troubleshooting and testing support, and our training division provides hands-on training and certification programs. We are recognized within the defense industry as fiber optic connectivity experts and, for over 20 years, have customized our products and services to meet strict military standards.

The Buyer / Planner will be responsible for planning and scheduling production and procurement in a DoD contracting environment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze component and finished goods requirements.
• Plan and schedule production on multiple production lines in accordance with internal policies and lean manufacturing philosophies.
• Create, maintain, and report on capacity plans for multiple manufacturing lines. Provide staffing suggestions based on capacity requirements.
• Develop and submit material requisitions and purchase orders to support production/delivery schedules.
• Oversee, analyze, and make procurement recommendations regarding purchase orders and/or materials strategies, based on project requirements and trends, to support product cost and delivery goals.
• Develop supplier relationships and identify opportunities for long-term, cost-beneficial supplier agreements.
• Calculate, assign, monitor and maintain effective inventory levels for components and finished goods to support revenue and inventory turn goals.
• Expedite material to support production/delivery schedules, as required.
• Ensure timely communication of material issues (quality, delivery issues, etc.) as they arise. Work to resolve material issues as the arise to minimize the effect on delivery schedules.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance.
• Manage inventory flow and resolve material and inventory control issues if/when they arise.
• Manage shop order BOM’s as needed.
• Ensure shop order materials are issued appropriately.
• Actively participate in physical inventories and cycle counts.
• Actively participate in project planning for large DoD and other contracts.
• Source new and existing materials, as required.
• Work with receiving and accounting to resolve delivery and billing discrepancies.
• Effectively apply lean manufacturing techniques to planning, scheduling and inventory control.
• Train and oversee Buyer/Planner I personnel.

Education/Training

• Minimum 5 Years Direct Experience, Preferably in a High Mix/Low Volume Custom Production Environment
• Associate degree required, Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
• MRP/ERP Experience Required
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Products Required
• Buying/Planning Experience in a DoD Contracting Environment Preferred
• Understanding of FAR/DFARS Requirements Preferred
• Lean Manufacturing Experience Preferred
• Experience with Military Fiber Optic and Copper Component Buying/Planning/Sourcing Preferred

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to [email protected], and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.