Planner/Buyer

KITCO Fiber Optics, Inc.

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

Under broad supervision, responsible for procurement of assigned items and executing buying strategies in accordance with agreed upon material buying plans at the optimum cost/quality relationship. Analyzes market and industry conditions and develops supply recommendations. Interviews sales representatives and vendors. Role typically requires between 3 and 5 years of experience.

Under broad supervision, responsible for procurement of assigned items and executing buying strategies in accordance with agreed upon material buying plans at the optimum cost/quality relationship. Analyzes market and industry conditions and develops supply recommendations. Interviews sales representatives and vendors. Role typically requires between 3 and 5 years of experience.

Summary:

The Supply Chain & Planner plays a critical role in supporting operational readiness by ensuring timely procurement and optimal inventory levels to meet production and customer delivery requirements. Working cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, and external suppliers, this role requires a detail-oriented individual with strong data analysis skills, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to supporting customer needs within the highly regulated Aerospace & Defense sector.

This is a hands-on, onsite role in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, offering exposure to A&D industry processes, customers, and supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze material requirements using MRP tools to plan, purchase, and maintain appropriate inventory levels based on demand forecasts and production schedules.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, and Engineering to support program timelines and ensure delivery assurance to customers.
• Procure raw materials, MRO items, and other production-related goods while ensuring compliance with aerospace and defense regulations (e.g., ITAR, DFARS).
• Monitor and manage supplier performance related to quality, lead times, and delivery commitments; initiate corrective actions for deviations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of purchase orders, material transactions, inventory levels, and part traceability.
• Analyze large sets of procurement and inventory data to identify trends, shortages, excess inventory, and cost savings opportunities.
• Participate in material review board (MRB) meetings to help resolve issues involving non-conforming or defective materials.
• Improve and maintain material pull systems (Kanban) using lean methodologies and ERP insights.
• Support internal KPI goals, including on-time delivery, inventory turns, and cost reduction targets.
• Coordinate with Quality, Planning, and Production teams to ensure inventory accuracy and readiness.
• Regularly walk the shop floor to validate material flow, Kanban health, and operational needs.
• Communicate frequently with suppliers, peers, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on material availability and production readiness.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor or management, based on organizational needs.

Qualifications:

• Strong analytical skills and high proficiency in Microsoft Excel; comfortable working with large datasets and complex formulas.
• Familiarity with manufacturing environments, production planning processes, and ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Costpoint).
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Proven ability to work independently while also thriving in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to engage across functions and with external stakeholders.
• Results-driven mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required).
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related discipline preferred.
• 2–4 years of relevant experience in materials planning, procurement, or inventory control — aerospace or defense industry experience is highly desirable.

Language Skills:

• Must possess strong English communication skills, both verbal and written, suitable for professional interaction with internal teams, customers, and suppliers.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to navigate and walk the manufacturing floor regularly.

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to careers@marmon.com, and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.