Supply Chain Coordinator at Thorlabs in Newton, NJ

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.

The Supply Chain Coordinator supports Thorlabs' Global finished goods inventory optimization initiative by bridging analytical outputs, business unit communication, and updating D365 system. This role is responsible for coordinating with business units’ stakeholders, ensuring supply chain planning updates and improvement of workstreams across multiple business units, including inventory initiatives and operational improvement projects are maintained effectively and communicated consistently.

The position is also responsible for maintaining reorder points and coordinating planning settings. Additionally, the Supply Chain Operations Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact between the Global Supply Chain Lead and business unit stakeholders for day-to-day project coordination and reporting.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

Business Unit Communication & Stakeholder Coordination

• The primary liaison between the Global Supply Chain Lead and business unit stakeholders for day-to day communication and issue resolution.

• Assist with inventory optimization activities across multiple business units and global locations.

• Coordinate regular meetings, track action items, and ensure timely follow-up on commitments.

• Prepare and distribute project updates, performance summaries, and communication materials to stakeholders.

• Support business unit onboarding and adoption of global inventory optimization standards and processes.

• Escalate risks, issues, and business concerns to the Global Supply Chain Lead as needed. Project Coordination & Workstream Management

• Coordinate and track project milestones, deliverables, timelines, and dependencies across inventory optimization initiatives.

• Maintain project plans, status reports, documentation, and governance records.

• Monitor progress of operational improvement initiatives and ensure alignment with project objectives.

• Support the preparation of presentations, leadership reviews, and executive updates.

• Ensure consistent execution and communication of inventory and supply chain improvement workstreams across business units. D365 Planning & Inventory Settings Support

• Assist in maintaining updates reorder points, minimum inventory levels, and planning parameters within D365.

• Coordinates planning settings including Days of Supply (DOS), demand forecasts, supply forecasts, and net requirements. • Monitor planning exceptions, coverage issues, and inventory alerts and escalate findings when required.

• Maintain records of approved planning changes, overrides, and related documentation. Data Preparation & Analytical Support

• Extract, organize, and validate inventory, demand, lead-time, and planning data from D365 and other reporting tools.

• Basic data quality checks and identify discrepancies for further review.

• Assist inventory optimization analysis, KPI reporting, and performance tracking.

• Assist in the preparation of business reviews by compiling inventory, service level, fill rate, and stockout metrics.

• Contribute to process documentation, SOP development, and continuous improvement initiatives.

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 45 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, however, may be noisy at times.

Qualifications Experience:

• Minimum 2 years in supply chain, operations, project coordination, or a related analytical role

• Experience working with an ERP system — Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP experience preferred

• Experience with reporting tools, ERP or business intelligence environment a plus

• Experience coordinating across multiple stakeholders or business units — demonstrated ability to manage communication and deliverables in a cross functional environment

• Supply chain, distribution center, or manufacturing environment experience a plus

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Communications, or a related field preferred

• Equivalent combination of education and demonstrated professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, organization and follow-through skiled level — pivot tables, VLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH, statistical functions, and data modeling

• Ability to interpret model outputs — understands what a reorder point, safety stock, inventory value, and service level metric mean in operational context

• Familiar with Supply Chain concepts — minimum quantities, lead times, demand variability, and inventory turnover.

• Understanding of Power BI or similar reporting tools preferred — ability to navigate D365 ERP data exports and structured reports

• Outstanding attention to detail and the ability to multitask.

• Strong interpersonal skills; strong ability to work with individuals at all levels of the organization.

• Outstanding communication skills.

Other:

• The position is based in Newton, NJ, will be assigned projects at any of our worldwide entities and will require occasional travel.

The hourly rate for this position is $26.00 - $30.00 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.

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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.