Planning & Purchasing Supervisor/Manager

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago.  We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings and more.  Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable and components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees.  To do so, we must continue shaping the future of communications by applying the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

 

We are seeking a Planning & Purchasing Supervisor/Manager to join our Specialty division in Avon, CT and support continued business growth.

 

The Planning and Purchasing Supervisor is responsible for overseeing end-to-end planning and procurement, to ensure consistent material availability in support of production and customer demand. This role leads a team of Buyers & Buyer/Planners, driving alignment between demand forecasts, supply plans, and supplier performance to achieve service, cost, and inventory objectives.

 

This position plays a critical role in balancing supply and demand, optimizing inventory levels, and mitigating supply chain risks while maintaining strong cross-functional collaboration with operations, customer service, finance, and external suppliers. The supervisor ensures adherence to established processes, leverages ERP/MRP systems for accurate planning signals, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, data integrity, and overall supply chain performance.

 

Key responsibilities include developing and executing production and procurement plans, managing supplier relationships and delivery performance, monitoring key metrics (inventory turns, service levels, on-time delivery), and identifying root causes of shortages or excess inventory. The role also supports strategic initiatives such as capacity planning, cost savings, risk mitigation, and process standardization.

 

The Planning and Purchasing Supervisor is expected to demonstrate strong leadership, analytical capability, and decision-making skills, while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the team.

 

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• 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.
• Promptly notify respective department heads regarding any new issues you identify and help with necessary corrections.
• Ensure departmental procedures align with current best practices by adhering to ISO9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100D standards, while also maintaining appropriate training records.
• Responsible for overseeing production flow, including schedules and work orders, based on sales forecasts, firm orders, ROP levels, and established safety stocks.
• Tasks include maintaining a well-organized workspace, following Safety, Continuous Improvement, and 6S guidelines.
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality when working with any proprietary/personnel information.
• Provide training and assistance to Techs, Operators, Leads, and other Supervisors regarding Supply Chain matters- as needed.
• 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 as needed through one-on-one interaction, and perform 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.

 

Key qualifications include:

• High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in a supply cha