Purchaser Planner I

Thorlabs; Jessup (MD); On-site; USD 57,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

PTO

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Thorlabs in Jessup, MD is seeking a Purchasing & Planning specialist to manage purchasing, forecasting, and inventory across multiple product lines within the Laser Systems & Technology Business Unit. You will support ERP workflows, lead cost reduction efforts, and coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain teams.

Requirements include 1–3 years of experience in supply chain in manufacturing, MS Dynamics 365 ERP experience, a High School diploma (Bachelor’s preferred), and strong Excel

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in supply chain, preferably in manufacturing.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems, preferably MS Dynamics 365.

Responsibilities

• Purchasing: execute POs, vendor communication, data management.
• Planning: update forecasts, lead times, inventory levels.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Manufacturing to support ongoing production.
• Assist with SOPs and training documents.
• Handle vendor returns (RMAs) and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Provide administrative support to the unit.

Skills

Ownership

Written communication

Verbal communication

Microsoft Excel

Organization

Cross-functional teamwork

Data entry accuracy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

MS Dynamics 365

Job description

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabscontributes to cutting-edge research and real-world innovation.

Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of experience, you’ll find opportunities to grow, take ownership, and make meaningful contributions from day one. We know every employee brings unique talents and perspectives that fuel our success, and we seek driven individuals who are excited to make an impact in a fun, fast-moving culture.

This position is responsible for purchasing, planning, forecasting, and inventory management across multiple product lines for the Laser Systems & Technology Business Unit, as well as providing administrative duties to the Unit. Additional responsibilities will include cost reduction and process improvement projects, as well as vendor evaluations. Works under general supervision.

Purchasing & Planning

• Purchasing (daily execution of planned and unscheduled POs, vendor communication, and date management)
• Working with Supply Chain and Manufacturing teams to support all ongoing productions as needed
• Planning (updating and maintaining forecasts, lead times, and inventory levels)
• Document and Data Control o Initiating and participating in process improvement and cost reduction program o Coordinating vendor returns (RMAs)
• Purchasing office supplies and furniture, office equipment, etc., for the entire staff in accordance with company purchasing policies and budgetary restrictions. o Contributing to daily and weekly purchasing/planning meetings
• Assisting with inventory control tasks, including inventory counting, creating transfer orders and journals, and receiving
• Contributing to creation of standard operation procedures (SOPs) and training documents

Administrative Duties

• Assisting with engineering administrative duties such as releasing items to ERP and uploading released documents.
• Assisting with arranging and coordinating group activities and events, customer or corporate visits.

Experience:

Minimum 1-3 years of experience in supply chain, preferably in a manufacturing environment

Experience working with ERP/MRP systems, preferably MS Dynamics 365

Education:

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent work experience

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

Strong sense of ownership

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Strong computer skills including Microsoft Excel

Excellent organizational skills

Strong ability to shift from one task to another to address changing production priorities

Demonstrated order/data entry accuracy

Experience working with cross-functional teams

The estimated pay range for this role is $57,000 - $ 60,000 annually

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.