Planner / Buyer

Coherent Corp.; East Granby (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Connecticut seeks a senior buyer/production planner to manage procurement and production scheduling within the MRP framework. You will work across purchasing, manufacturing, engineering, and customer service to ensure smooth operations and cost efficiency.

The role requires 7+ years of related experience with a degree, strong vendor management, and ERP/MRP proficiency. Opportunity to lead improvements in inventory and supplier performance is offered along with a collaborative

Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or equivalent experience.
• Experience with MRP systems and BOM, inventory control, and production control.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills; ability to interface with internal customers and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement of equipment, supplies, raw materials, and services for assigned suppliers and site.
• Develop and monitor performance against the annual operating budget.
• Proactively manage vendors to address on-time delivery and expedite as needed.
• Coordinate RFQ’s, RFIs, RFPs; ensure legal/commercial provisions; evaluate bids and contracts.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives and report to the supply chain manager.
• Maintain MRP integrity, track deliveries, and manage part numbers.
• Create CVMI/VMI programs and optimize inventory levels for operational performance.
• Review requisitions/POs/invoices for accuracy and compliance with procedures.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to meet department goals.
• Monitor delivery performance and capex through MRP system updates.
• Generate planning, inventory, and production reports; coordinate with manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, and customer service.
• Monitor yields, lead times, safety stock, and WIP variances.

Skills

MRP systems

ERP/MRP interfacing

Vendor management

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Time management

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain/Engineering

Tools

Oracle ERP

Agile

Excel

BOM management

Job description

Job Description

Responsibilities are divided into Buyer/Purchasing and Production Planning areas, along with required education, skills, working conditions, safety, quality, culture alignment, and equal opportunity considerations.

Buyer/Purchasing

• Manage processes related to the purchase of equipment, supplies, raw materials, and services for assigned suppliers, categories and manufacturing site.
• Participate in developing and monitoring performance against the annual operating budget.
• Proactively manage vendors to address on-time delivery, expedite/de-expedite deliveries as necessary.
• Coordinate formal and informal bids, request for quote/qualification (RFQ’S), Request for proposals (RFP’S); ensure 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.
• Lead cost reduction activities and report them to the supply chain manager consistently.
• Maintain the MRP system’s integrity, monitor indicators, report on and ensure 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 operational performance.
• Determine appropriate contracts for various 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.
• Update on time deliveries, misses, reasons.

Production Planning

• Responsible for generating and releasing work orders and maintaining production schedules in the MRP system.
• Support production planning activities including schedule updates, tracking WIP progress throughout production, material tracking, and inventory monitoring.
• Review and maintain BOM accuracy and support implementation of engineering changes (ECOs).
• Monitor production status, material availability, and assist in resolving shortages.
• Generate and maintain planning, inventory, and production reports.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, and customer service to support production flow.
• Monitor manufacturing yields, lead time, safety stock, shrink %, and work order variance.
• Review production status and capacity issues with the manufacturing supervisor.

Education & Experience

Typically requires a minimum of 7 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 5 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or equivalent experience.

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 (Oracle preferred) environment along with ability to interface with manufacturing database 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.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and balance multiple competing tasks.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment and climate‑controlled manufacturing facilities.
• 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

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 [e-mail].