Sr. Buyer/Planner

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Negotiate with suppliers for materials, goods and services to secure advantageous terms, including pricing, delivery schedules, and quality standards while meeting corporate governance requirements.
• Qualify suppliers, submit and evaluate RFQs, and negotiate pricing and terms for purchased goods and services.
• Ensure that critical Coherent and customer requirements are flowed down to suppliers and sub-tier suppliers in an ITAR-controlled Defense environment. Familiarity for DPAS rated orders and FAR/DFAR requirements is a plus.
• Track purchases, monitor supplier quality, and maintain a current database of vendor information.
• Process assigned Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and Manufacturing Change Orders (MCOs) for assigned items in a timely and effective manner.
• Maintain ERP/MRP systems with accurate and up-to-date planning data.
• Participate in capacity planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Create & Release work orders to manufacturing. 
• Assist with Shipping/Receiving and Stockroom activities.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies to maintain inventory at optimal levels and meet production schedules.
• Analyze business conditions and supplier performance to identify opportunities for cost savings and supply chain improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering, to ensure material specifications are met. 
• Review demand and purchase the materials needed for use by the organization. 
• Evaluate prospective new suppliers based on their cost, product quality, and delivery times. 
• Manage purchasing, materials requirements planning, supplier relationship management, product life cycle and master data integrity, among other things. 
• Actively participate and contribute to cross-functional project team meetings.
• Effectively communicate with both external suppliers and colleagues. Keep Coherent team updated on important material availability issues and developments.
• Act as liaison between suppliers and Coherent Engineering team to address supplier technical questions and concerns.
• Reconcile variances between purchase orders, invoices, material releases, shipments, and packing slips. 
• Maintain appropriate supply chain related records, including vendor information, receiving documentation, and other pertinent information as assigned.
• Running weekly reports in support of team.
• Backup support for Master Scheduler and other supply chain functions as needed.
• Continuous improvement focus. 
• Other tasks as assigned by manager.
• Must be a U.S. citizen

Education & Experience

• Associate’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred but not required
• 5-8 years of experience in a manufacturing planning, production control, or supply chain role.
• Defense Industry experience preferred.
• Experience working in environments applying Lean Manufacturing or Lean Six Sigma tools to optimize workflows and reduce inefficiencies
• APICS certification (e.g., CPIM or CSCP) preferred but not required

Skills

• Strong organizational and analytical skills – ability to manage complex schedules and solve production issues.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (Oracle, or IFS preferred)
• Excellent communication and coordination skills to interact with cross-functional teams.
• Attention to detail and a proactive mindset for identifying potential production challenges.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other scheduling/planning tools.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

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.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State."