Special Projects Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Initiative Leadership

Lead and execute special projects aligned with the CSCO's priorities, including supply chain transformation, capacity expansion, cost optimization, digitalization, and resilience planning.

• Executive Partnership

Act as a trusted advisor to the CSCO, translating strategic vision into executable plans, synthesizing insights, and supporting executive-level decision-making.

• Cross-Functional Program Management

Drive alignment across global operations, procurement, engineering, quality, and logistics teams to deliver complex, multi-phase initiatives on time and within scope.

• Supplier Strategy & Integration

Support the development and execution of strategic supplier partnerships, including joint initiatives, performance improvement programs, and risk mitigation efforts across a global supplier base.

• Operational Excellence

Identify and craft process improvement initiatives across vertically integrated manufacturing operations, leveraging data analytics, lean principles, and best practices.

• Change Management

Lead organizational change efforts tied to transformation initiatives, ensuring stakeholder alignment, clear communication, and sustainable adoption.

• Performance Tracking & Reporting

Establish KPIs, dashboards, and executive reporting mechanisms to track progress, risks, and value realization of key initiatives.

• Special Analyses & Rapid Response

Conduct deep-dive analyses on emerging issues, operational bottlenecks, or strategic opportunities, often under tight timelines and high visibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 12+ years of experience in supply chain, operations, manufacturing, or management consulting, ideally within high-tech or complex industrial environments
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional, global projects with significant business impact
• Strong understanding of vertically integrated manufacturing and global supply chain dynamics
• Experience working with or managing strategic suppliers and external partners
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and financial acumen
• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and highly matrixed environment

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• Influence without authority across global teams
• High business judgment and decision-making capability
• Structured problem-solving and data-driven mindset
• Agility and resilience under pressure
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Why This Role Matters

This role sits at the center of the company's most critical operational and supply chain priorities. As global complexity increases and supplier relationships become more strategic, this position plays a pivotal role in ensuring alignment, speed, and execution excellence across the enterprise.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It''s an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.