Buyer

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 currently seek a Buyer to help support our Norcross, GA location.

This purpose of this position will be to carry out purchasing functions for both the Norcross Plant and Corporate Headquarters.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assuming primary procurement responsibility for Draw, Post Draw & VAD operations
• This will include Raw Materials, Variable Supplies/MRO, Capital Projects, Engineering and Technical Services, etc.
• Working with Operations and Maintenance organizations to locate and procure difficult to find spare parts.
• Material Management and Procurement of certain key expense materials
• Serving as a contact and lead professional with Fastenal
• Tracking and reporting on Cost Savings and Variable Expense goals/progress
• Assisting in the development of alternative suppliers to ensure supply and encourage competitive pricing.
• Continuously improve quality and structure of the procurement organization.
• Support related divisional management goals.
• Assist with procurement of Corporate purchases
• Work with Accounting and Receiving departments to minimize purchase order discrepancies

Key qualifications:

• BS/BA degree in a related field of study Materials testing experience in a laboratory environment
• Minimum of 3 -5 years in a Procurement role, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge and experience in all aspects of materials management including procurement, supplier management, planning, scheduling, capacity management, forecasting, logistics, production and inventory control preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities desired:

• Knowledge and experience in all aspects of materials management and procurement
• Supplier management
• Planning
• Scheduling
• Capacity management
• Forecasting
• Logistics
• Production and inventory control
• Advanced understanding of SAP, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Strong negotiation skills
• MRO
• Analytical skills

Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future.  In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement and a matching 401(k) plan.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors.  This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized 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.

If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply through our Career portal at https://lightera.com/about-us/.

Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted. 

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 that enable faster, more reliable, and more 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. 

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.