Production Value Stream Lead Buyer

What is the job?

The Lead Buyer oversees the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the Purchasing team, developing a holistic approach to maintaining a reliable supply of components and translating customer demand into analytical BOM review to achieve uninterrupted production output.

You will need to develop a systemic approach for the Purchasing team to strengthen supply chain resilience and proactively manage strategic risks. A key focus of the role is to lead and coordinate the development, implementation, and optimization of value stream replenishment systems aligned with customer demand.

You will work closely with the Strategic Supply Chain Manager to establish, monitor, and report on Business Unit supply chain objectives and operational performance metrics.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8am - 4:30pm (Hybrid available following training)

Department: Motion Control

Interview process: 2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 1 Hour Teams interview; Second stage: Onsite 3 hour interview

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

What we would like you to do/to see…

Supply Chain performance analysis and reporting

·       Lead the monitoring and analysis of key purchasing and supply chain performance metrics, assessing their impact on order book management and overall Business Unit performance.

·       Proactively review product families providing weekly updates to the BU Leader and Strategic Supply Chain Manager. 

·       Regularly assess and report on supply chain readiness for new product introductions, coordinating the effective transfer from R&D into Production to ensure material availability, supplier readiness, and a smooth production ramp-up.

·       Provide senior management with clear, data-driven insights.

Design and Implementation of value stream replenishment systems

·       Design, implement and continuously improve value-stream replenishment systems to optimise material flow and support uninterrupted production.

·       Actively contribute to the development and execution of purchasing strategies.

·       Work closely with the Planning team to understand customer demand rates and forecast requirements.

·       Lead quarterly performance reviews for assigned key product families, monitoring and driving improvement across key supplier metrics, including delivery performance, quality and OTIF (On Time In Full).

·       Calculate, validate and regularly audit Kanban and replenishment trigger quantities, ensuring stock levels are aligned with demand, lead times and production requirements.

·       Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the supply process.

Proactive and strategic supplier management

·       Proactively manage supplier relationships.

·       Identify, assess and mitigate supply risks, proactively escalating potential shortages, delays and supply constraints, with clear and timely reporting to stakeholders.

·       Work closely with Supplier Quality Engineers to support supplier audits.

·       Collaborate with Supplier Quality Engineers to develop lean manufacturing best practices (high mix low volume, reduced EPEI interval, quality at source, kanban replenishment).

·       Lead commercial negotiations with new and existing suppliers, including pricing, terms and cost reviews, ensuring target margins and commercial objectives are achieved and maintained.

·       Lead supplier selection and onboarding processes.

·       Manage and maintain supplier performance scorecards, using data and KPIs to identify risks, drive accountability and implement improvement actions.

·       Establish and maintain appropriate blanket order coverage with key suppliers.

·       Review and authorise component invoices, resolving discrepancies where required and supporting stock investigations and reconciliation activities

·       Maintain accurate and reliable supplier and purchasing data within D365.

What is essential to us…

·       Degree qualified (or equivalent) in relevant field

·       Previous Purchasing or other Supply Chain related experience required and Project Management

·       Experience within a manufacturing environment preferred

·       Ability to train, mentor and present new ideas

·       Strong ability to understand customer demand at top-SKU level and translate it into component-level purchasing requirements through BOM analysis, ensuring alignment between demand, supply, inventory and production needs.

·       Ability to negotiate effectively to achieve and maintain target margin

·       Ability to effectively manage vendor accounts, monitoring vendor KPIs and working with vendors to achieve and maintain KPI targets

·       Ability to calculate kanban quantities and replenishment triggers, and monitor material flow

·       Strong analytical skills and ability to draw actionable insights from data

·       Effective communicator with excellent written and verbal skills

A positive approach to continuous improvement activities

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-2256

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail recruitment@thorlabs.com.

We are Disability Confident Committed

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.