Purchaser Planner II
Thorlabs
Posted: April 7, 2026
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Quick Summary
We are seeking a Purchaser Planner II to join our team in Newton, New Jersey, where you will work closely with our design and manufacturing teams to plan and coordinate purchasing activities, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality components and instruments.
Required Skills
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, 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. 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.
Responsible for but not limited to: planning, forecasting and inventory management for the assigned Business Unit, as well as, scheduling and scheduling workload. Responsibilities of the planning/purchasing position will include, purchasing consumables and project work to reduce costs and improve processes, as well as, ongoing vendor evaluations in accordance to ISO 9001 requirements. Works under general supervision.
Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:
• Purchasing (Daily purchasing, expediting, date and data management)
• Planning (Daily printing, scheduling/ re-scheduling/ date management)
• Product Availability and Lead Time calculation
• Review document and data. Assist documentation control as necessary.
• Initiates and participates in purchasing improvement and cost reduction programs
• Generate special and periodic reports as required or directed
• Inventory Control and Inventory Planning (Safety Stock, forecast, build/order size)
• Vendor Relationship Management
• Setup new vendors In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above,
all positions are also responsible for:
• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.
The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
Physical Activities:
Work may be active, could stand or sit for long durations and/or perform repetitious work at times. The employee may lift or move objects up to 20 pounds. Employees must grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts and components that are often very small. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, however, may be noisy at times. Must be able to wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment such as but not limited to masks, glasses, gloves, and specialty garments. The required PPE and training allow for the safe handling and processing of chemicals like adhesives, lubricants and solvents, and safe operation of job-related equipment and tools.
Requirements:
Qualifications Experience:
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar position.
Education:
• High School Diploma or equivalent 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 work well in a group atmosphere and comply with high quality standards.
• Strong ability to shift from one task to another to address changing production priorities.
The salary range for this position is $57,500 - $71,800 D.O.E.
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 identity 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.
Benefits:
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.