Lead Buyer / Planner

Job Summary: The Lead Buyer / Planner will own the supplier side of the ramp: strategic agreements with key suppliers, capacity and allocation commitments, second-source qualification for critical materials, supplier risk monitoring, and purchasing of the key high-volume supplies. Works with product line management and engineering to hold one normal configuration per product, so what we buy is what the bill of material says we build. This person will manage agreements and relationships set up in the first two quarters of product ramp and will govern cost and continuity of supply for the life of the line.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage processes related to the purchase of equipment, supplies and services for assigned suppliers, categories and manufacturing site.
• Participate in developing and monitoring performance against the annual operating budget.
• Coordinate formal and informal bids, request for quote/qualification (RFQ’S), Request for proposals (RFP’S); ensures all applicable legal and contractual provisions are met; manage and participate in solicitation, evaluation and award of bids; perform or assist others in the performance of price/cost analysis; negotiate contract provisions; prepare specifications as required.
• Leader in cost reduction activity and report them to the management on a consistent basis.
• Maintains the MRP system’s integrity, monitoring indicators, reporting on and ensuring the smooth flow of purchasing transactions (from PO entry, expediting, tracking multi-party component assemblies, assist in part number creation, etc.)
• Create consigned vendor managed inventory (CVMI) or vendor managed inventory (VMI) agreements and maintain proper inventory levels to the benefit of the operation’s performance.
• Determine appropriate contracts for various types of procurement needs; review requisitions/purchase orders and related documents for completeness, accuracy and compliance with department and company procedures and requirements; review invoices and other documentation for accuracy and compliance; resolve disputed invoices.
• Have an in depth understanding of commodities purchased and industry leaders that provide said commodities. Interface with internal customers, work with peer groups and support the purchasing team.
• Participate and or lead cross functional teams to meet department goals and objectives. Must be the commercial expert in all team activities.

Education & Experience

• Minimum 7 yrs. of direct or closely related experience.
• BS/MS or equivalent degree in related field

Skills

• Working understanding of MRP systems, bill of materials (BOM), Accounting, production control, receiving and inventory along with some database management skills will support the requirements of this job.
• Understand Purchasing’s role in the ERP/MRP (Expandable) environment along with ability to interface with manufacturing data base systems (Agile)
• Strong customer service skills are required to be able to interface with internal customers as well as outside suppliers. Must be able to effectively communicate between operations personnel and upper management.
• Must have strong time management skills; Self-motivation is required for timely completion of projects and duties.
• Working knowledge of the procurement and supplier management processes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required to support internal customer’s and external supplier relationships. Conflict resolution and team development in a dynamic environment requiring the ability to work with and influence others.
• Must be willing to get involved, ask questions, obtain support from and give to others.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment and climate-controlled manufacturing facilities.
• Work around chemicals (such as solids and acids)
• Weekend availability may be required

Safety Requirements All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards. Quality and Environmental Responsibilities Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System. Culture Commitment Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.: Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.