Purchasing Planner

Summary

We are seeking a Purchasing Planner to support procurement activities, supplier coordination, and inventory planning. In this role, you will evaluate purchasing needs, monitor market trends and supplier availability, and coordinate the timely procurement of materials and supplies. You will also support short- and long-term purchasing strategies to optimize costs, maintain appropriate inventory levels for strategic materials and commodities, and ensure efficient supply chain operations.

Responsibilities

• Process and manage purchase orders, monitor delivery schedules, and resolve purchasing discrepancies, including shortages and return material authorizations (RMAs).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers regarding order status, lead times, and quality-related concerns.
• Obtain and compare supplier quotations, support cost-breakdown analysis, and provide information to assist purchasing decisions.
• Collaborate with warehouse teams to align purchasing activities with inventory requirements and operational demand.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to improve procurement processes, workflows, and operational efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or a buyer-related role.
• Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of procurement processes, sourcing methodologies, and the purchasing lifecycle.
• Ability to support supplier negotiations, evaluate purchasing costs, and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate in a multicultural team environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing business needs and operational priorities.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

Location & Work Environment

This position is full-time onsite and based in Sugar Land, Texas. This role is primarily a normal office position exposure to manufacturing, office, and warehouse areas.

Expected business hours are generally Monday through Friday during standard business hours of 9am – 6pm CT. Infrequent calls to overseas vendors outside of business hours as needed.

Why AOI?
In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers:

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
• Relocation packages available within the United States.

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc (AOI) is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.

We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third-party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.