Fiber Planning and Utilization Analyst

AFL; Duncan (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off policy

401K Company match (up to 4%)

Professional development, training, & 

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

AFL is seeking a Fiber Utilization Planning Analyst in Duncan, SC to optimize fiber consumption across the Cable manufacturing network. You will drive data‑driven planning, minimize scrap, and maintain optimal inventory levels, influencing Manufacturing, Supply Chain, IT, and Commercial teams.

The role requires a strong analytical mindset, 3+ years of manufacturing experience, and familiarity with ERP systems (Oracle R12).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience with working knowledge of production flow
• Experience with ERP systems (Oracle R12 or similar)
• Knowledge of Lean / Six Sigma methodologies
• APICS or similar supply chain certification preferred
• Experience in planning, supply chain, or continuous improvement role preferred
• Experience in cable, wire, or similar manufacturing environments preferred
• Strong analytical capability with experience in data analysis, modeling, and process improvement

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain fiber consumption strategies that maximize conversion efficiency from raw material to finished goods
• Analyze fiber yield performance, identifying loss drivers and implementing corrective action plans to improve conversion rates
• Optimize the systematic utilization of short fiber lengths to minimize scrap and increase usable output
• Define and track key performance metrics related to fiber utilization, scrap, and yield
• Establish fiber consumption plans aligned with production schedules, demand signals, and inventory targets
• Own fiber inventory strategy, ensuring balance between availability, working capital, and obsolescence risk
• Maintain governance over inventory accuracy, controls, and planning assumptions
• Partner with Supply Chain to align purchasing and stocking strategies with optimized consumption plans
• Utilize statistical and analytical methods to measure performance, identify trends, and recommend improvements
• Develop models and scenarios to evaluate trade‑offs across scrap, efficiency, and inventory positioning
• Provide actionable recommendations to leadership that align operational decisions with financial and utilization goals
• Collaborate with Manufacturing to ensure execution aligns with planned fiber consumption strategies
• Partner with Commercial teams to understand product mix impacts on fiber utilization and recommend alignment opportunities
• Work with IT and systems teams to enhance planning tools, data visibility, and reporting capabilities
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across functions to improve fiber planning processes
• Provide fiber utilization inputs and constraints into capacity planning and S&OP processes
• Support scenario planning by evaluating the fiber implications of demand and production changes
• Ensure alignment between fiber plans and broader operational and financial objectives

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Modeling

Process improvement

Inventory management

Cross-functional collaboration

Planning

Lean / Six Sigma

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or SCM

Tools

ERP systems (Oracle R12)

Job description

About the Company

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $2B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer

• Flexible time off policy
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advance with an industry leading company!

Job Summary

The Fiber Utilization Planning Analyst is responsible for optimizing fiber consumption across the Cable manufacturing network through data‑driven planning, analysis, and cross‑functional coordination. This role develops and governs the fiber conversion strategy to maximize raw material yield, reduce scrap, and maintain optimal inventory levels. This position operates as an individual contributor with strong analytical and decision‑making capability, influencing Manufacturing, Supply Chain, IT, and Commercial teams to align execution to an optimized fiber consumption plan. The role owns the planning strategy, while execution is performed by operations and the Fiber Department.

Key Responsibilities

Fiber Utilization & Conversion Optimization

• Develop and maintain fiber consumption strategies that maximize conversion efficiency from raw material to finished goods
• Analyze fiber yield performance, identifying loss drivers and implementing corrective action plans to improve conversion rates
• Optimize the systematic utilization of short fiber lengths to minimize scrap and increase usable output
• Define and track key performance metrics related to fiber utilization, scrap, and yield

Planning & Inventory Control

• Establish fiber consumption plans aligned with production schedules, demand signals, and inventory targets
• Own fiber inventory strategy, ensuring balance between availability, working capital, and obsolescence risk
• Maintain governance over inventory accuracy, controls, and planning assumptions
• Partner with Supply Chain to align purchasing and stocking strategies with optimized consumption plans

Data Analysis & Decision Support

• Utilize statistical and analytical methods to measure performance, identify trends, and recommend improvements
• Develop models and scenarios to evaluate trade‑offs across scrap, efficiency, and inventory positioning
• Provide actionable recommendations to leadership that align operational decisions with financial and utilization goals

Cross‑Functional Alignment & Influence

• Collaborate with Manufacturing to ensure execution aligns with planned fiber consumption strategies
• Partner with Commercial teams to understand product mix impacts on fiber utilization and recommend alignment opportunities
• Work with IT and systems teams to enhance planning tools, data visibility, and reporting capabilities
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across functions to improve fiber planning processes

S&OP / IBP Integration

• Provide fiber utilization inputs and constraints into capacity planning and S&OP processes
• Support scenario planning by evaluating the fiber implications of demand and production changes
• Ensure alignment between fiber plans and broader operational and financial objectives

Personal Qualities

• Results‑oriented problem solver with strong analytical rigor and attention to detail
• Self‑starter capable of operating independently while influencing without authority
• Strong communicator who can translate complex data into clear, actionable insights
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment
• Demonstrates humble confidence and a commitment to continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, or related field
• Strong analytical capability with experience in data analysis, modeling, and process improvement
• Practical understanding of inventory management processes, controls, and accuracy metrics
• 3+ years of manufacturing experience with working knowledge of production flow
• Experience collaborating across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams
• Experience with ERP systems (Oracle R12 or similar manufacturing modules)
• Knowledge of Lean / Six Sigma methodologies
• Prior experience in planning, supply chain, or continuous improvement role preferred
• APICS or similar supply chain certification preferred
• Experience in cable, wire, or similar manufacturing environments preferred

Working Conditions

• Office‑based role with regular interaction on the production floor
• Occasional support outside standard hours