Purchaser Planner II

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

The Purchase Planner II is responsible for planning, scheduling, releasing, and tracking of workflow from order placement to customer shipment, keeping production running efficiently. This role is expected to utilize system tools to ensure that the supply chain is effective in meeting the needs of our customers while maintaining required delivery and inventory goals. The Purchase Planner will support the facility safety, quality and cost objectives. This role has a significant impact on customer satisfaction and shop floor activity, therefore must be a creative thinker with sound decision making abilities.

Although the location of the position is in Londonderry, NH, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Create and release jobs for independent and dependent customer demand utilizing material requirements planning (MRP) processes and other strategic processes to satisfy customer demand, desired stocking levels, flow of work on the manufacturing floor.
• Plan and monitor inventory levels and planning parameters to avoid shortages and excess manufactured and purchased parts.
• Shortage identification, management, and mitigation, which involve working closely with the procurement organization on strategies that reduce shortages, yet maintain inventory and cost objectives, along with strategies to help reduce excess inventory.
• Excess inventory identification and mitigation.
• Communicate and coordinate with production management to ensure schedule adherence and recovery if required.
• Participate in and analyze production readiness reviews for production ramp ups, slowdowns, and customer terminations.
• Manage the planning and coordination of resources to ensure production schedule commitments are completed by established deadlines.
• Perform diversified analytical duties related to the identification and resolution of material management problems to meet program schedules.
• Manage level loading of manufactured and procured parts.
• Maintain continuous status of orders in production and expediting orders as required to maintain workflow.
• Initiate and participate in continuous improvement activities related to production planning, factory floor throughput, and inventory control management.
• Review and maintain MRP planning parameters and work with appropriate departments to correct data that is impacting supply and demand.
• Review new customer orders to acknowledge which request dates can be met or supply alternate promise dates as required.
• Inform management of impacts to SIOP (Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning), assist in the implementation of both short- and long-term solutions, and identify opportunities to mitigate risks.
• Perform planning functions required to achieve the timely and successful launch of new products.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that follows all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities:

This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 25 pounds.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar position.

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent work experience

Specialized Knowledge and Skills

• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel
• Experience with MRP systems required, Microsoft Dynamics preferred
• Strong ability to work well in a group atmosphere and comply with high-quality standards.
• Strong ability to shift from one task to another to address changing production priorities.

Annual Pay range for this position is $57,000 -$72,000 depending on experience

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.