Purchaser Planner I

About the role

At Thorlabs, we design and manufacture components, instruments, and systems that transform the world by identifying, enabling, and accelerating key photonics (light‑based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Thorlabs contributes 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist planning, purchasing, forecasting, and inventory management for the Virginia Imaging Systems Group.
• Work with operations, manufacturing, Engineering R&D, internal sales, and overseas offices.
• Negotiate prices, establish lead times, and purchase products.
• Plan and schedule machine‑shop activities and manage inventory.
• Purchase consumables and project work to reduce costs and improve processes.
• Conduct ongoing vendor evaluations.
• Inventory control and planning (safety stock, forecast, build/order size).
• Daily purchasing, expediting, and data management.
• Initiate and participate in purchasing improvement and cost‑reduction programs.
• Generate special and periodic reports as required or directed.
• Review documents and data, company back orders, product availability, and lead‑time calculations.

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a similar position.
• High School Diploma or equivalent, or equivalent work experience.
• Strong inventory planning skills with understanding of safety stock, forecasting, and made‑to‑order products.
• Strong understanding of how a product moves through an ERP system.
• Knowledge of transaction processing and BOMs and how they impact forecast, purchase, and manufacturing requirements.
• Strong sense of ownership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work well in a group atmosphere while complying with high‑quality standards.
• Ability to shift between tasks to address changing production priorities.

Pay

The estimated pay range for this role is $57,000 – $71,000 annually.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company‑paid life insurance.
• Generous PTO package.
• 401(k) plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.