Logistics Co-ordinator

Founded in 1984, AFL is an industry-recognized global leader in optical fiber network infrastructure. Our customer-first, high-speed fiber network solutions serve various markets – including energy, enterprise, and hyperscale – across 130+ countries. Products and services include single- and multi-mode optical fiber cable, test and inspection equipment, and our award-winning Data Center Interconnect solution, enabling centralized resource management for enhanced performance across multiple data center facilities. Our recent European expansion brings end-to-end, sustainable optical fiber solutions closer to our valued EMEA customers, prioritizing customer satisfaction while lowering emissions in line with our Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.

This is a 12 month fixed term contract to provide maternity leave cover. Option for hybrid home/office working after 3 months.

A highly organized and detail-oriented professional with 5 years of experience in logistics and supply chain coordination. Proven expertise in expediting shipments to ensure timely delivery of goods, minimize delays, and maintain seamless operations. Adept at building strong relationships with suppliers, carriers, and internal teams to resolve issues and meet tight deadlines in fast-paced environments. Proficient in logistics software e.g., Oracle, TMS, Microsoft GP. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, enabling effective collaboration with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Strong analytical abilities, with a track record of optimizing delivery schedules, reducing lead times, and improving overall supply chain efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Expediting
• Confirm Purchase Orders and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETAs) with suppliers.
• Update Microsoft Dynamics GP (ERP System) with Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) & ETA dates.
• Identify, chase, resolve and report to stakeholders any late orders with Suppliers.
• Ensure quoted production times are within timescales agreed with suppliers and quoted accurately to Customer Service.
• Ensure successful transfers through the supply chain with possible delays identified, mitigated & customer sales representative notified or returned to original expected delivery date.
• Customer enquiries management
• Respond to enquiries from AFL HS EMEA Internal Departments for the best available lead time and price in an agreed timescale.
• Determine the best supplier based on price, lead time and shipping options to fulfil the enquiry and record the choice by retaining a copy of the supplier email confirmation, (in a shared inbox) in advance of receiving the customer order.
• Order shipment directly from Supplier to Customer
• Source products and create PO’s using suppliers from Approved Vendor List (AVL), managed by Supplier Development Engineers (SDE) in China, to meet customer expectations, where known, while considering best use of company resources (stock, internal production, and contract manufacture (CM), item cost and freight cost).
• Ensure goods get delivered on time in full by the quickest and cost-effective delivery method.
• GP data integrity for supply chain
• Maintain and amend supply chain information within GP, including supplier, purchase price, Incoterms, delivery information - based on changes advised by supplier or SDE.
• Communication
• Report monthly to Supply Chain Manager on progress and activities and projects escalating issues/concerns, as necessary.
• Engage with other departments as required, including, but not limited to: Sales – on delivery dates, delays to orders & lead times. Solutions & Engineering – on suppliers, pricing, and minimum order quantity (MOQ).

Preferred qualifications & experience:

• Candidates must live within a commutable distance to Milton Keynes.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Expediting, Import/Export, Supply Chain or Procurement.
• Far East shipping experience.
• International Shipping Methods by Air and Sea and relevant regulations and Incoterm.
• Experience in handling tasks like scheduling shipments, coordinating with suppliers.
• Proficiency in tools like ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Microsoft GP), TMS (Transportation Management Systems), or other logistics and tracking software.