Global Supply Chain Planning Team Lead

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

Thorlabs is seeking a Global Supply Chain Planning Team Lead to optimize and enhance the critical Supply Chain planning and analytics activities across our worldwide supply chain network. The role will participate in demand forecasting, inventory planning, and KPI governance to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

The position plays a critical role in shaping Thorlabs’ global inventory strategy and ensuring operational readiness to support our growing customer base. The position is based in Newton, NJ, but will be assigned projects at any of our worldwide entities and will require occasional travel.

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

Global Demand & Supply Planning

• Oversee all actual demand, forecasting and inventory planning activities across global regions.

• Consolidate global forecasts, improve forecast accuracy, and ensure alignment between demand plans with operational capacity and business priorities.

• Generate forecasts by analyzing historical data, market trends, and demand signals.

• Collaborate with manufacturing Business units to refine demand signals and ensure alignment. Inventory & Replenishment Optimization

• Set and monitor Min/Max levels, lead times (LT), MOQ, and safety stock for all warehouses (NJ, EU, China, Japan).

• Participate in establishing and maintaining global allocation strategies.

• Define and maintain reorder points (ROP) based on demand forecasts, lead times, and safety stock to ensure timely replenishment.

• Establish economic order quantities (EOQ) or optimal reorder quantities (ROQ) to balance inventory holding costs and ordering costs.

• Conduct monthly inventory health reviews and lead inventory reduction programs.

• Assist in creating and maintaining global inventory planning methodologies and replenishment frameworks. Supplier Performance Analytics

• Track supplier performance metrics including on-time delivery (OTD), lead times.

• Monitor on-time delivery (OTD), lead times-KPIs and provide efficiency.

• Maintain Item Master data including technical specifications and cost pricing. Logistics & Distribution Visibility

• Monitor freight trends, carrier performance, and material flow from manufacturing to global warehouse.

• Provide visibility into global planning and distribution performance. End-to-End KPI Governance

• Support in creating and maintaining global dashboards and standardizing KPIs across regions.

• Track and analyze supply chain performance metrics (inventory turns, OTD, service level, cost-per-unit).

• Lead global performance reviews and provide actionable insights to with executives and regional teams. Systems, Data, & Master Data Governance

• Ensure high-quality planning data across ERP (D365), forecasting tools, and analytics platforms.

• Maintain global planning system standards and coordinate automation and digital transformation initiatives.

• Lead global rollout of new planning systems, modules, tools, and analytics dashboards. Strategic Optimization & Project Management

• Identify and execute network-wide optimization opportunities including inventory strategy, replenishment logic, and capacity planning.

• Collaborate with global team of supply chain planners on global improvement projects, ensuring stakeholder alignment, change management, and on-time delivery.

• Responsible for modern planning approaches (AI/ML forecasting, automation, exception-based planning). Leadership & Collaboration

• Communicate and collaborate with global team of supply chain planners and analysts.

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 follows 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.

Travel requirements

• This role may require occasional domestic or international travel (0–10%) to visit global warehouses, participate in planning workshops, or support global alignment initiatives.

Physical Activities:

• This is a sitting role; however, you may be active at times, could stand, walk, or sit for long durations and/or perform repetitive work. Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally. Work areas may be noisy at times.

• This position operates in a distribution center environment where noise levels may be moderate due to equipment, machinery, and daily warehouse activities.

Requirements

Specialized/Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• 7+ years of experience in supply chain planning, inventory optimization, demand planning, and analytics.

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, Power BI, ERP (D365) and planning systems.

• Experience working in small teams and on cross-functional projects.

• Excellent communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience managing relationships with third-party logistics providers and other distribution providers.

• Knowledge and experience with automation in warehousing activities

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, Operations, or related technical field, or equivalent

• Exceptional communication, teamwork and influencing skills that foster a collaborative and continuous improvement environment.

• Working knowledge of ERP systems, Microsoft Dynamics D365 preferred.

• Knowledge of S&OP processes and Inventory optimization methodologies.

• Familiarity with digital transformations tools (AI/ML Forecasting, automation platforms)

• Process optimization and continuous improvement mindset.

• Demonstrated experience in a customer centric environment. • Strong ability to take initiative/ownership.

• Strong problem solving/analysis skills.

• Strong attention to detail

• Ability to manage concurrent projects, activities, and tasks under time constraints.

Other: NA Organizational Relationships Direct Reports: Reports to the Sr. Director of Global Supply Chain This position is directly responsible for the delegation of tasks and daily work production through a Team Lead role of the Global Planning and optimization team.

The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $94,000 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.