Planning & Purchasing Supervisor/Manager

About the role

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, tracing back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone. We are seeking a Planning & Purchasing Supervisor/Manager to join our Specialty division in Avon, CT, supporting continued business growth. This role oversees end-to-end planning and procurement to ensure consistent material availability in support of production and customer demand. The supervisor leads a team of Buyers & Buyer/Planners, aligning demand forecasts, supply plans, and supplier performance to achieve service, cost, and inventory objectives. This position balances supply and demand, optimizes inventory levels, and mitigates supply chain risks while fostering cross-functional collaboration with operations, customer service, finance, and external suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Assist with strategic planning and guidance for the Avon Supply Chain.
• Collaborate with department heads and front-line leaders on procurement and planning to establish consistent practices.
• Receive and/or deliver training in all required operations and functions.
• Follow safety procedures and conduct regular training to ensure safe work practices.
• Notify respective department heads of new issues and assist with corrections.
• Ensure departmental procedures align with ISO9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100D standards, maintaining training records.
• Oversee production flow, including schedules and work orders, based on sales forecasts, firm orders, ROP levels, and safety stocks.
• Maintain a well-organized workspace, following Safety, Continuous Improvement, and 6S guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality with proprietary and personnel information.
• Provide training and assistance to Techs, Operators, Leads, and other Supervisors on Supply Chain matters.
• Optimize manufacturing scheduling to meet customer needs and maintain practical inventory levels.
• Use MRP, forecasts, and project requests to determine required production for all products, kits, and parts.
• Supervise employee performance, provide coaching, and conduct annual evaluations for Buyers & Buyer/Planners.
• Support Customer Service with order issues, demand, and prioritization.
• Assist with negotiation of purchasing agreements, contracts, and capital equipment.

Requirements

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, or a technical field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ people-management experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a Supply Chain environment.
• Ability to lead and foster a team environment in a fast-paced setting.
• Adept in assessing and offering feedback on processes.
• Excellent organizational skills, leadership ability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to write procedures and performance reviews clearly and concisely.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel and Access.
• Knowledge of MRP system functionality, Inventory Control Practices, Material Flow, Shop Order, Continuous Improvement, and ISO standards required.
• Knowledge of JD Edwards, Bill of Materials, Routers, Prints, and Item Masters preferred.
• Proficiency in training individuals in established procedures.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, and well-being.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) plan with a generous match and no vesting period.
• Tuition assistance, on-the-job training, and opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program and paid holidays.
• Casual work environment, PPE, safety eyeglass, and shoe allowance.
• Clean, climate-controlled, modern facility with state-of-the-art equipment.

About Lightera

Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centers, and specialty photonics applications. With a deep legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions enabling faster, more reliable, and sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide. Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera operates with a global footprint, serving customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets. Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a multi-billion-dollar leader in optical communications.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future; visa sponsorship is not available.