Planning & Purchasing Supervisor​/Manager

Planning & Purchasing Supervisor/Manager

LIGHTERA organises a Specialty division in Avon, CT. The Planning & Purchasing Supervisor oversees end‑to‑end planning and procurement to ensure material availability for production and customer demand, leading a team of buyers and buyer/planners.

• Assist with strategic planning and guidance for the Avon Supply Chain.
• Collaborate with department heads and front‑line leaders to establish consistent procurement and planning practices.
• Receive and deliver training in required operations and functions.
• Follow safety procedures and conduct regular training to ensure safe work practices.
• Promptly notify department heads of new issues and help with necessary corrections.
• Ensure departmental procedures align with best practices under ISO
  9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100D standards and maintain training records.
• Oversee production flow, including schedules and work orders, based on forecasts, firm orders, ROP levels, and safety stocks.
• Maintain a well‑organized workspace and follow Safety, Continuous Improvement, and 6S guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding proprietary and personnel information.
• Provide training and assistance to technicians, operators, leads, and other supervisors on supply‑chain matters.
• Optimize manufacturing scheduling to meet customer needs while maintaining practical inventory levels.
• Use MRP, forecasts, and project requests to determine required production for all products, kits, and parts.
• Supervise employee performance, coach through one‑on‑one interactions, and conduct annual evaluations for buyers & buyer/planners.
• Support Customer Service with order issues, demand, and prioritisation.
• Assist with negotiation of purchasing agreements, contracts, and capital equipment.

• High School Diploma required;
  Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, manufacturing, engineering or related 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 fast‑paced settings.
• Adept at assessing and offering feedback on processes.
• Excellent organisational skills, leadership ability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to write procedures and performance reviews clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel and Access.
• Knowledge of MRP system functionality, inventory control practices, material flow, shop order processes, continuous improvement, and ISO standards.
• Knowledge of JD Edwards, bill of materials, routers, prints, and item masters preferred.
• Proficiency in training individuals in established procedures.

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

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviours. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organised work area, wearing and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety‑conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.

Visa sponsorship not available. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or immigration support for this position.

Lightera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.