Head of US Operations

Coherent is a global leader in photonics, developing advanced laser, optical and materials technologies that enable innovation across industries.

We are seeking an experienced manufacturing leader to lead our U.S. IR Optics and Materials operations, supporting more than $250 million in annual revenue. This is an opportunity to shape manufacturing strategy, expand production capabilities and strengthen performance across three sites.

Working closely with global operations leadership, you will connect people, processes and technology to deliver for customers today while preparing our manufacturing operations for future growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will provide strategic direction and hands-on operational leadership across Saxonburg, Santa Rosa and Eugene, building shared standards and ensuring coordinated execution.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading multi-site operations: Align day-to-day performance and long-term priorities across the U.S. manufacturing footprint.
• Building capacity for growth: Develop multi-year plans to expand production capacity and technical capabilities, supporting new products, evolving customer demand and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Preparing for future technologies: Ensure equipment, processes and technical expertise support product roadmaps and emerging materials technologies.
• Developing people and leaders: Build leadership and technical talent pipelines, equipping teams for increased production volumes and new capabilities.
• Delivering operational performance: Own delivery, cost, quality, yield and productivity metrics, translating business objectives into measurable results.
• Driving continuous improvement: Lead Lean, automation and digital transformation initiatives to improve throughput, reduce variation and optimise cycle times and first-pass yields.
• Strengthening cross-site alignment: Connect production, planning and supply chain priorities to support consistent, scalable execution.
• Leading change: Guide organisational transformation and cross-site standardisation while championing Coherent’s ICARE values.

What You’ll Bring

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Management; an MBA is preferred.
• At least 15 years of manufacturing leadership experience, including responsibility for multiple sites.
• Proven success leading large, diverse teams and developing leadership capability.
• Strong understanding of precision machining and optical fabrication.
• Demonstrated experience delivering continuous improvement and operational transformation.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and Lean methodologies.
• Proficiency with ERP and MES systems; SAP and Power BI experience is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present clearly at executive level.
• Experience working with global operations, including Asia, is strongly preferred.
• Ability to meet the stated ITAR requirements: U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Individual.

Why Join Coherent?

Make a significant impact. Lead a manufacturing portfolio supporting more than $250 million in annual revenue, with direct influence on performance, capability and growth.

Shape what comes next. Help translate advanced optics and materials roadmaps into manufacturing operations ready to deliver at scale.

Build lasting capability. Develop talented teams, strengthen collaboration across sites and create the foundations for sustainable operational success.

This role combines strategic leadership with an active presence in offices and on the shop floor within a fast-paced, multi-site manufacturing environment.

About UsCoherent 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.