Purchasing Coordinator
Apply now »Date: Jun 2, 2026
Location: Wilmington, NC, US, 28405
Company: Corning
Requisition Number: 75273
The company built on breakthroughs.
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Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.
Job Summary:
The Procurement Coordinator is responsible for procurement activities and the optimization of processes that support the delivery of storeroom inventory materials used in production at the Wilmington, North Carolina plant. This role helps ensure material availability, inventory accuracy, supplier alignment, and cost control throughout the lifecycle of parts, from introduction through obsolescence.
Key Responsibilities:
Inventory Purchasing
- Manage assigned inventory items to support production requirements.
- Perform replenishment analysis for commodity purchases, special orders, and buy decisions.
- Review order confirmations and process change orders as needed.
- Monitor order issues and expedite assigned inventory items when necessary.
- Manage purchase order closure reports and resolve discrepancies.
- Maintain ongoing supply management for assigned items, including reorder points (ROP) and maximum inventory levels.
- Follow up on vendor and part information requests.
Inventory Value, Levels, and Philosophy
- Manage assigned inventory items to support production needs while controlling costs across the entire part lifecycle, including new part introduction through obsolescence.
Vendor Management
- Support alignment of parts and suppliers with corporate contract requirements.
- Enter new supplier information and banking changes into corporate systems.
- Investigate and help resolve supplier invoice issues.
Accounting Interaction
- Follow accounting requirements and guidelines related to inventory items.
- Investigate standard cost issues, item code concerns, capital spares, transaction discrepancies, and account-related issues as needed.
- Process inventory credits and resolve related issues.
- Compile and follow up on monthly purchase order reports to meet audit requirements.
- Resolve received-not-billed discrepancies with suppliers.
Education Qualifications:
- Associate degree preferred, or equivalent work experience in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a technical field.
Experience Requirements:
- Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated success in supply chain-related functions such as storeroom operations, procurement, planning, or customer service/support.
Required Competencies:
- Strong teamwork skills with the ability to contribute effectively in a team environment.
- Self-starter who is reliable, resourceful, and willing to take on additional responsibilities for personal growth or to support team needs.
- Experience with PeopleSoft and/or SAP.
- Proficiency with analytical tools, including strong Excel skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage multiple responsibilities.
- Strong conflict management and problem-solving skills.
- High level of interpersonal skills, including tact, patience, flexibility, and professionalism.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of the organization and build trust and respect.
- Ability to remain composed and produce quality work despite shifting priorities, schedule changes, and tight deadlines.
Preferred Competencies:
- Knowledge of fundamental inventory control procedures.
- Ability to work effectively as both a team member and, when needed, a team leader.
- Ability to collaborate with engineering, technical customers, and suppliers to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Strong communication skills with both internal customers and external suppliers.
- Ability to understand customer requirements and support strategies that meet or exceed expectations.
- Ability to serve as a change agent by developing, communicating, and implementing improved processes and ideas.
- Strong issue resolution and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to quickly learn procurement policies, processes, and tools.
Physical & Work Environment:
- Regular navigation through the storeroom, receiving dock, and warehouse located across the street.
This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $53,246.00 - $73,213.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
A job that shapes a life.
Corning offers you the total package.
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
- Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
- As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
- Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
- Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.
We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.
Nearest Major Market: Wilmington