Purchasing and Planning Manager

Description Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture. The Purchasing and Planning Manager will be responsible for, but not limited to, managing the supply chain, inventory, production scheduling functions for the Virginia Imaging Systems Group by:

• Working with operations, manufacturing, Engineering R D, internal sales, and overseas offices
• Negotiating prices, establishing lead times and purchasing products,
• Planning, scheduling of machine shop and inventory management.

The role will also work with our overseas office staff to place and follow-up on all orders and verify and communicate to our internal and external sales team any manufacturing and shipping delays. Other tasks of this position will include project work to reduce costs and improve processes as well as on ongoing vendor evaluations. Although the location of the position is in Sterling, VA, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

• Key Purchasing and Planning tasks: Use the ERP system to purchase and plan all products Use Power BI reports to develop metrics to be able to ensure good on time delivery of product and reduce zero stock SKUs Develop daily purchasing, expediting, date and data management Produce daily planning scheduling/ re-scheduling/ date and data management Release, monitor and close work orders to support the build plan and open sales orders Generate purchasing requirements to ensure timely fulfillment of customer orders Generate, monitor, close and control production orders for machine shop.

Schedule the availability of sufficient parts necessary to ensure the timely, uninterrupted flow of manufacturing processes and schedules Develop a plan and schedule to ensure the efficient and continual performance of manufacturing cell production Product Availability and Lead Time calculation Manage the data entry, document revision and control in TECM. Assist in positioning Engineering Change Orders (ECO) with proper ECO classification and including all products affected by the changes. Responsible for reviewing MRP Item Master fields and settings, electronically filing drawings, assembly instructions and miscellaneous engineering paperwork. Collecting and maintaining files of the latest revision level documentation necessary to process initial releases, corrections, and revisions to accurately control manufacturing processes. Initiates and participates in purchasing improvement and cost reduction programs Generate special and periodic reports as required or directed Inventory Control and Inventory Planning (Safety Stock, forecast, build/order size) Vendor Relationship Management