Director of Strategic Supply Chain

Coherent; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 195,000 - 273,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. in Santa Clara, CA, seeks a Director of Strategic Supply Chain to shape and execute long-term supply chain strategy across the organization. This senior leader will oversee end-to-end operations, optimize costs, strengthen supplier partnerships, and drive digital transformation, analytics, and Lean Six Sigma initiatives.

The role requires 10+ years in supply chain leadership, strong analytical and stakeholder-management skills, and a track record of scaling global operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or related field.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain leadership roles, ideally global/multi-site.
• Proven success in strategic planning, supplier negotiations, and operational optimization.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ERP systems, supply chain planning tools, and digital transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a multi-year supply chain strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead transformation initiatives focused on digitalization, automation, and advanced analytics.
• Build a resilient supply chain framework that mitigates risk and enhances continuity.
• Oversee end-to-end supply chain functions including procurement, planning, logistics, inventory mgmt, and distribution.
• Optimize global sourcing strategies to improve cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Negotiation skills

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Supply chain planning tools

Digital transformation initiatives

Job description

The Director of Strategic Supply Chain is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping, optimizing, and executing the long-term supply chain strategy across the organization. This leader drives operational excellence, strengthens supplier partnerships, and ensures the supply chain is resilient, cost effective, and aligned with the company’s growth objectives. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with hands on operational expertise and thrives in a fast paced, evolving environment.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a multi‑year supply chain strategy that supports business goals, scalability, and market expansion.

• Lead transformation initiatives focused on digitalization, automation, and advanced analytics.

• Build a resilient supply chain framework that mitigates risk and enhances continuity.

Supply Chain Operations

• Oversee end‑to‑end supply chain functions including procurement, planning, logistics, inventory management, and distribution.

• Optimize global sourcing strategies to improve cost, quality, and delivery performance.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

Supplier & Partner Management

• Establish and maintain strategic supplier relationships to ensure reliability, innovation, and competitive advantage.

• Negotiate high‑value contracts and long‑term agreements that support business objectives.

• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective action plans when needed.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Finance, Operations, Manufacturing, Sales, and Product teams to align supply chain capabilities with organizational priorities.

• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on supply chain trends, risks, and opportunities.

• Lead cross‑functional teams through complex initiatives and change management efforts.

Data & Performance Management

• Develop and track KPIs to measure supply chain performance, cost efficiency, and service levels.

• Leverage data analytics to forecast demand, optimize inventory, and improve decision‑making.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality, and sustainability standards.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain leadership roles, ideally in a global or multi‑site environment.

• Proven success in strategic planning, supplier negotiations, and operational optimization.

• Strong analytical, financial, and problem‑solving skills.

• Experience with ERP systems, supply chain planning tools, and digital transformation initiatives.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder‑management abilities.

What Success Looks Like

• A supply chain that is agile, cost‑efficient, and scalable.

• Strong supplier partnerships that drive innovation and reliability.

• Improved forecasting accuracy, reduced lead times, and optimized inventory levels.

• A culture of continuous improvement and cross‑functional alignment.

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.:

I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust

C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

E nthusiasm – 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 [e-mail] .

ABOUT US

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!

Job Schedule: Full time

Pay Scale: $195,313 to $273,437 annually