Material Planner Buyer

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

Your Role

For a given product portfolio and throughout the product life cycle, this position is responsible for working with our supply chain partners and scheduling teams to plan and direct the execution of product deliveries to support customer orders and attain company objectives for on time delivery, customer satisfaction, inventory turns as well as operational efficiencies.   This is achieved by developing the proper material management strategies to effectively manage the balance between Supply and Demand, ensuring the security of supply on key components and finished products.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the product Master Production Schedule (MPS) in an outsourced environment
  • Coordinate with our EMS the rolling weekly material drive and production schedule as well as its execution.
  • Works with suppliers to ensure system data integrity, especially where related to delivery commits
  • Communicates effectively with Scheduling and Fulfillment teams on delivery commitments, and schedule changes.
  • Supports / Lead expedite requests.
  • Participates in cross functional production & supplier meetings to ensure on time build and customer shipments
  • Performs “what if” analysis and rough-cut capacity planning for potential opportunities to establish projected shipment dates
• Ensure the timeliness supply and delivery of materials based on the demand planning requirement
  • Manage adequate inventory level to support demand variation through EMS
  • Escalate third party supply issues and engage the Global Commodity team as needed
  • Analyze and manage expediting fees to accomplish the production plan
  • Manage forecast based on historical data and up-coming customer projects
  • Provide timely forecast visibility to the EMS
  • Lead phase-in phase-out (PIPO), end of life component analysis, and support engineering changes
  • Analyze and recommend procurement of finished goods and execute POs on approval
  • Execute material movement with Ciena teams including outside processing jobs for customer returns
• Monitor key components of Ciena products and ensure security of supply strategies are in place.
  • Identify, validate and support supply chain process improvements that enable shorter lead-times, improved agility and delivery reliability
  • Ensure component supply improvements are translated into commitment improvements at the FG level.
  • Serve as point of contact with Ciena’s scheduling, global order fulfillment, and distribution teams into EMS to facilitate translation of issues, clarity on revenue risk for fiscal quarter and gap to overall customer orders and safety stock replenishment

CANDIDATE PROFILE AND DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS

• Team oriented, self-starter, organized with ability to give attention to details
• Ability to remain positive and focused under pressure and drive for continuous improvement
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with proven ability to work with employees at all levels through the organization (both internally and externally)
• Analytical data analysis supported by strong leadership
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, to communicate efficiently with Ciena management and partners around the world
• Proven ability to achieve results through EMS resources
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, communicate progress and issues to management

Education

• University Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or Engineering
• Thorough understanding of MRP/ERP systems, Materials Management or Procurement standards & procedures as well as JIT principles (Kanban, pull system, VMI, SMI, etc.)
• Any of the following are significant plus:  APICS training or certifications (CPIM, CSCP, CIRM).  Knowledge of Lean Mfg. techniques (ie: TPS), or Six Sigma framework (Black Belt/Green Belt training), PMP certification

Minimum Requirement

• 5+ years of experience in a material management, with 4 or more of the following experiences:
• Material planning / Master scheduling prime for a mid-large size business
• Sourcing/Procurement prime for a mid-large size business

• In Depth Knowledge of Oracle ERP system
• Knowledge of business tools (Excel, Power Point, Access, Macros, E2Open, Informatica, Hyperion)
• Managing Production line for an EMS/Contract Manufacturer/Vendor
• New Product Introduction / Project Management
• Multi-plants / Multicultural experience / Contract manufacturer Management

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At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard.  Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.