What is the job?

This role plays a key role in the Business Unit meeting its objectives for revenue and on time delivery. You’ll ensure uninterrupted and on-time supply of manufactured items to warehouses and customers through the sourcing and procurement of production components and materials, working closely with Production and Planning teams to meet shipping deadlines and achieve minimum stock targets.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00am – 4.30pm

Department: Motion Control

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 is essential to us…

• Previous Purchasing, Planning, Inventory Controller, Logistics  or other Supply Chain related experience preferred
• Ability to handle large Microsoft Excel-based data sets reliably
• Negotiating skills
• Proficiency in ERP supply chain software (e.g. Microsoft D365) and MS Office
• Detail oriented and works in a structured and organised manner
• Effective communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
• A positive approach to continuous improvement activities
• A flexible approach to work requests – prepared to go the extra mile to get the job done
• Able to work collaboratively with multiple teams to ensure uninterrupted flow of goods to meet requested delivery dates

What we would like you to do/ to see…

• Forecasting and Planning: Collaborate with internal teams to review customer demand and plan purchases accordingly
• Order Processing: Place and track orders, ensuring that deliveries arrive on time and resolve any issues that may arise
• Supplier Management: Support supplier selection process as required. Build and maintain strong relationships with assigned suppliers
• Reporting: Support generation of daily reports to support inventory/production requirements
• Actively contribute to new methods and strategies that improve efficiency and productivity
• Apply problem-solving skills to conduct root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives that follow PDCA or lean principles
• Follow departmental procedures and standardised work, and proactively contribute to updating them as needed

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-1223

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)

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. 

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

Commitment bonus to be paid at the end of the contract if the relevant criteria has been met.  Further information available from recruitment@thorlabs.com.

-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.

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.