Buyer Planner

AFL provides industry-leading fiber optic products, conductor accessories and fittings, and related services across the globe. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and has grown to include every facet of the passive optical network, employing over 6,000 associates worldwide and consistently generating annual sales in excess of a billion-dollars. With our commitment to professional growth and employee development, let AFL “Connect” you to your next career opportunity!

What we Offer: 

• A hybrid schedule for qualifying employees
• 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 advancement with an industry leader! 

The Buyer/Planner position is responsible for the planning, scheduling, procurement and expediting of raw materials and finished goods in support of the manufacturing organization. Utilize best procurement practices, including managing the supplier, to ensure optimal pricing, while meeting the department’s goals for cost reduction, quality improvement, on-time delivery, inventory management and lead time reduction.

Responsibilities

• Maintain complete ownership of the procurement process to include creating requisitions and ensuring on-time delivery of required materials including, but not limited to, ordering, expediting, and returns.
• Plan material needs for production and facility.
• Analyze/adjust inventory levels as required to coincide with changing customer demand, lead time changes and other initiatives.
• Utilize Materials Requirements Planning System and other planning tools or develop tools as required.
• Work closely with Quality and Manufacturing to monitor and correct all supplier non-conformance issues.
• Interface with vendors with respect to price negotiation, availability of materials, delivery time and supplier visits.
• Develop and execute vendor supply agreements.
• Ensure that all purchase orders are clearly defined, entered and updated, in an accurate and timely manner.
• Proactively plan future raw material requirements taking into account New Product Launch timing and upcoming product mix changes
• Continuously work to improve delivery, quality and service of suppliers.
• Ensure that problems relating to delivery, quality, service or pricing are promptly conveyed to the vendor and resolved in a timely manner.
• Research and establish contacts with potential new vendors to develop additional or new sources for raw materials.
• Provide input into the Business Planning Cycle by providing annual volume, pricing and trend forecasts.
• Adhere to and promote the environmental, health & safety policies of AFL.

Personal Qualities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong business partnerships
• Self-starter with good time management skills and capable of thriving with limited supervision
• Results-oriented, capable of meeting goals in a challenging environment
• Self-confidence and integrity
• Problem solver with strong analytical skills

Qualifications

• 2 -5 years’ experience in material planning and purchasing.
• Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree, will consider equivalent work experience
• APICS certification is a plus.
• Solid understanding of materials operations, materials planning and inventory control in a lean manufacturing environment
• International buying/purchasing experience desired
• Demonstrated competency in budgeting, forecasting and planning
• Effective listening, communication (verbal and written), and negotiating skills. Working close with engineering and sales to promote strategy.
• Manages time effectively and adapts quickly to changing priorities
• Superior organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail
• Team player who works productively with wide range of people
• Comfortable in fast-paced environment
• Problem-solving and analytical ability
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, inventory/warehouse management and distribution software (MRP system knowledge similar to Oracle, SAP or equivalent
• Production scheduling experience desired
• Intermediate or higher user of MS Office

Working Conditions

• Office environment