Lead Buyer / Planner

Coherent•East Granby, CT

About The Position

The Lead Buyer / Planner owns supplier-side activities during product ramp, including strategic agreements with key suppliers, capacity and allocation commitments, second-source qualification for critical materials, supplier risk monitoring, and purchasing key high-volume supplies. The role works with product line management and engineering to maintain one normal configuration per product so purchased materials align with the bill of materials. It manages supplier agreements and relationships established during the first two quarters of product ramp and governs cost and continuity of supply throughout the life of the product line. The position manages procurement of equipment, supplies, and services for assigned suppliers, categories, and manufacturing site. It supports the annual operating budget, leads or participates in bidding and contract activities, performs cost analysis and negotiations, and drives cost-reduction efforts. The role also maintains MRP system integrity and purchasing transaction flow, establishes vendor-managed inventory agreements, oversees inventory levels, reviews procurement and invoice documentation, and resolves invoice disputes. It serves as a commercial expert and works with internal customers, suppliers, peer groups, and cross-functional teams to meet department goals. The position works in a normal office environment and climate-controlled manufacturing facilities, with possible exposure to chemicals such as solids and acids. Weekend availability may be required. Employees must follow site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. corporate EHS standards. Depending on location, the role may support execution and maintenance of applicable quality and environmental management standards, including ISO 9000, 9001, and 14001. The employee is expected to adhere to the company’s ICARE values: Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Enthusiasm.

Requirements

At least 7 years of direct or closely related experience.
BS/MS or equivalent degree in a related field.
Working understanding of MRP systems, bills of materials (BOM), accounting, production control, receiving, and inventory; database management skills support the role.
Understanding of Purchasing’s role in an ERP/MRP environment and ability to interface with manufacturing database systems such as Agile.
Strong customer service skills for interfacing with internal customers and outside suppliers.
Ability to communicate effectively with operations personnel and upper management.
Strong time-management skills and self-motivation to complete projects and duties on time.
Working knowledge of procurement and supplier management processes.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to support internal customers and external supplier relationships.
Conflict-resolution and team-development ability in a dynamic environment, including the ability to work with and influence others.
Willingness to get involved, ask questions, obtain support from others, and provide support to others.

Responsibilities

Manage purchasing processes for 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, RFQs, and RFPs; ensure applicable legal and contractual provisions are met; participate in solicitation, evaluation, and award of bids.
Perform or assist with price and cost analysis, negotiate contract provisions, and prepare specifications as required.
Lead cost-reduction activities and report results to management consistently.
Maintain MRP system integrity, monitor indicators, and ensure smooth purchasing transactions, including PO entry, expediting, tracking multi-party component assemblies, and assisting with part-number creation.
Create consigned vendor-managed inventory (CVMI) or vendor-managed inventory (VMI) agreements and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
Determine appropriate contracts for procurement needs; review requisitions, purchase orders, and related documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
Review invoices and supporting documentation for accuracy and compliance and resolve disputed invoices.
Maintain an in-depth understanding of purchased commodities and the industry leaders that supply them.
Interface with internal customers, collaborate with peer groups, and support the purchasing team.
Participate in or lead cross-functional teams to meet department goals and objectives.
Serve as the commercial expert in team activities.
Follow site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. corporate EHS standards.
Depending on location, execute and maintain applicable quality and environmental management system standards and responsibilities.
Adhere to the company’s ICARE values in all aspects of the position.