Buyer (Fixed Term 15 months)

Company Overview

Coherent Corp is a global leader in photonics, designing and manufacturing advanced laser technologies that power semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications, and precision industrial systems worldwide.

Position Overview

Operational Buyer – temporary maternity cover. Reports to the Purchasing Manager and works within the Materials team, supporting purchasing operations across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Running MRP summary reports on a daily basis and raising purchase orders; managing purchase requisitions, quotations, etc.
• Highlighting and actioning any shortages or potential shortages as they occur.
• Managing delivery schedule and order book of components for production, engineering, and NPI projects to acquire inventory in a cost‑effective and timely manner.
• Calculating and distributing demand forecasts to the supply base.
• Compiling supplier performance reports; managing the supplier base including negotiating favorable pricing arrangements, lead‑time reductions, financial liability, Kanban agreements, etc.
• Ensuring suppliers adhere to and perform under SLA conditions and terms.
• Interacting closely with suppliers and QA to resolve quality issues.
• Coordinating with engineering departments on New Product Introductions, ensuring supply base and operations requirements are met.
• Ensuring new suppliers are appraised through relevant QA/ISO evaluation systems prior to inclusion in Coherent’s inventory.
• Responsibility for procurement business system data input and integrity.
• Managing item attributes, with particular emphasis on facilitating Coherent’s Kanban strategy.
• Participating in maximizing procurement team changes, part parameters, quote table maintenance, supplier database information, error report analysis, and part number/supplier code information.
• Performing cost analysis and volume planning for major commodities (e.g., materials, components, equipment, and services).
• Delivering on key performance measures, including supplier OTD, inventory targets, and SOX compliance.
• Taking ownership and managing key local suppliers.
• Providing support to Strategic Sourcing Managers.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in purchasing or logistics in an MRP and Kanban environment.
• Proficient user of MS Office packages.
• Oracle and Cumulus experience is a distinct advantage.
• Solution‑driven approach to daily operational issues.
• Solid administrative skills with the ability to deliver against tight deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively with end‑users, management, and staff.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities involving internal customer requests and demands.
• Ability to excel in a cross‑organisational, cross‑cultural, global team environment.
• Handle special assignments promptly and professionally.
• Set a high standard of ethics, professionalism, and competency.