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Optical Manager Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Senior Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing ... Familiarity with optical manufacturing processes, supplier qualification requirements, and quality ...

Optician

Portland, OR · On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

Manage and maintain eyewear inventory to ensure a great selection of frames and lenses * Perform ... Coachable attitude-ready to learn and grow in the optical field * Flexibility and adaptability to ...

At Stanton Optical we bring on Manager in Training roles because we invest in developing our future leaders from the moment they join our family. As a Manager in Training, you will create an easy and ...

At Stanton Optical we call our store managers Brand Managers because we empower our store leaders to manage all aspects of the business within the 4 walls of their location, with an entrepreneurial ...

At Stanton Optical we bring on Manager in Training roles because we invest in developing our future leaders from the moment they join our family. As a Manager in Training, you will create an easy and ...

Optician

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$18.25 - $23.50/hr

As an Optician, you will speak with patients to learn about their lifestyle and needs, help them pick out eyewear, and take measurements for lenses. You will also help them learn about their new ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Manager information

See Portland, OR salary details

$22.8K

$77.5K

$269.4K

How much do optical manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical manager in Portland, OR is $77,489.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical manager?

An Optical Manager is a professional who oversees the daily operations of an optical store or department, ensuring high-quality customer service and efficient workflow. Their responsibilities typically include managing staff, handling inventory, assisting with eyewear selection, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. They may also be involved in training employees, coordinating with optometrists, and implementing sales strategies. Effective Optical Managers possess strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. They play a crucial role in maintaining customer satisfaction and the overall success of the optical business.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Manager, you need expertise in optometry practices, optical product knowledge, and management experience, typically supported by a background in opticianry or a related field. Familiarity with practice management software, lens fitting tools, and inventory systems is crucial. Strong leadership, customer service, and problem-solving skills help build effective teams and ensure client satisfaction. These capabilities are vital for delivering quality eye care, optimizing business operations, and maintaining a loyal clientele.

What is the difference between Optical Manager vs Optical Sales Associate?

AspectOptical ManagerOptical Sales Associate
CredentialsOptical certification, management experienceOptical knowledge, sales skills
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, eyewear clinicsRetail optical outlets, eyewear departments
Employer & IndustryOptical chains, independent optical practicesOptical retail stores, eyewear retailers
Primary ResponsibilitiesOverseeing store operations, staff management, inventory controlAssisting customers, selling eyewear, product knowledge

Optical Managers focus on store operations, staff supervision, and inventory management, requiring management skills and optical certifications. Optical Sales Associates primarily assist customers with eyewear selection and sales, emphasizing customer service and product knowledge. Both roles are essential in optical retail environments but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are some common challenges optical managers face when balancing clinical duties with business operations?

Optical Managers often juggle both patient care and business responsibilities, which can be challenging. Balancing staff scheduling, inventory management, and customer service while ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations requires strong organizational skills. Additionally, Optical Managers frequently work to motivate their team and meet sales targets without compromising the quality of care. Successful managers develop effective communication strategies and prioritize tasks to maintain a smoothly running optical practice.

What does an optical manager do?

Optical managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an optometrist’s office. As an optical manager, your job duties include a mix of administrative and eye care tasks, such as hiring and training staff, managing inventory, processing insurance and billing, submitting work orders for eyeglasses and contact lenses, adjusting eyeglasses, and maintaining client records. The qualifications to become an optical manager include several years of experience working in the eye care field, strong communication skills, and the ability to multitask. An associate or bachelor’s degree in business or a related field may make you a more valuable candidate for optical manager positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Manager jobs in Portland, OR?

For Optical Manager jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Manager jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Manager jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Optical Manager jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Optical Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Manager job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,350 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Sr. Category Manager - Optics

nLIGHT

Camas, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description
Who We Are
At nLIGHT, we are constantly extending the cutting-edge of laser technology in multiple dynamic and growing markets. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Job Summary
The Senior Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for critical direct material and technology for precision optics categories. This role is accountable for supplier performance, supplier portfolio optimization, supply risk mitigation, and compliant procurement execution across commercial and government programs. In partnership with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams, the Senior Category Manager supports product roadmaps, qualification requirements, new product introduction, cost objectives, and continuity of supply.
The Senior Category Manager develops and executes sourcing strategies for precision optics materials and technologies. The role oversees supplier performance, portfolio optimization, risk mitigation, and compliant procurement across commercial and government programs. Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams, this position supports product roadmaps, qualification needs, new product introductions, cost targets, and continuity of supply.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develops and executes category and supplier strategies aligned with business priorities, product roadmaps, technology requirements, and manufacturing needs.
  • Shapes the supplier portfolio across assigned categories through supplier segmentation, capability coverage, and sourcing strategy to support qualification plans and reduce sole-source or single-source dependency where feasible.
  • Drives supplier performance through scorecards, Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), and corrective actions to improve quality, delivery, responsiveness, and capacity alignment.
  • Negotiates supplier agreements and commercial terms, including pricing, lead time, capacity, inventory strategies, technology partnerships, risk-sharing frameworks and other provisions that support cost competitiveness and continuity of supply.
  • Partners with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams on supplier selection, make/buy decisions, qualification activities, and sourcing strategies for new and sustaining products.
  • Monitors market conditions, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks to proactively identify supply constraints and protect continuity for critical programs and production needs.
  • Identifies and mitigates supplier concentration, capacity, and single-source risks through alternate sourcing, recovery planning, and continuity actions, as appropriate.
  • Ensures sourcing activities comply with applicable regulations, contractual requirements, and internal purchasing policies.
  • Drives improvements in sourcing processes, tools, and analytics to increase visibility, strengthen execution, and support better business decisions.
  • Serves as a trusted subject matter expert by providing guidance and support that strengthens sourcing discipline and cross-functional execution.
  • Communicates sourcing strategies, risks, and recommendations clearly to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline; typically 8+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience developing category strategies and managing supplier relationships in a manufacturing, technology, or regulated environment.
  • Demonstrated experience negotiating supplier agreements and commercial terms.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Familiarity with government contracting, trade compliance, or regulated industry requirements, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, or EAR, is preferred.
  • Experience leading sourcing, supplier performance, or process improvement initiatives.
  • Proficiency in ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and other sourcing or analytics tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a cross-functional environment.
  • Strongly preferred: Strongly preferred: Experience with sourcing and technical challenges across Precision Optics, Reflective Optics, Coated Optics, Photonic Components, Fiber Optics, Optical Assemblies, and Beam Combining.

Preferred Experience
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD), aerospace, or other government-funded programs.
  • Experience developing and executing sourcing strategies within regulated environments subject to FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, or other government contracting requirements.
  • Experience managing supplier flowdowns and subcontract compliance requirements.
  • Experience conducting price analysis, cost analysis, and price reasonableness determinations.
  • Familiarity with source selection processes, sole-source justifications, and procurement documentation requirements.
  • Experience supporting Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSR), Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), or customer audit activities.
  • Experience working within AS9100 or other regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Knowledge of counterfeit parts prevention, supply chain assurance, and supplier risk management practices.
  • Familiarity with government property and customer-furnished property requirements.
  • Experience leading supplier qualification, supplier development, and supply chain resiliency initiatives.
  • Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), make/buy decisions, and strategic supplier selection within aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
  • Experience negotiating long-term agreements, capacity reservations, and risk-sharing arrangements with strategic suppliers.
  • Experience sourcing and managing suppliers across precision optics, coated optics, reflective optics, fiber optics, photonic components, optical assemblies, or beam combining technologies.
  • Familiarity with optical manufacturing processes, supplier qualification requirements, and quality standards associated with precision optical components.

nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
Sr Category Manager: $95,000 - $123,000 annually
Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 5% of earned wages
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance

nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
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, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or [email protected].
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster
  • Right to Work Poster

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