Director of Strategic Supply Chain

Coherent Corp.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Santa Clara seeks a Director of Strategic Supply Chain to drive the long-term supply chain strategy. Responsibilities include overseeing operations, managing supplier relationships, and collaborating cross-functionally. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree, at least 10 years of supply chain leadership experience, and strong analytical skills. This role offers the opportunity to shape operational excellence and supplier partnerships in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in supply chain leadership roles.
• Experience in a global or multi-site environment.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a multi-year supply chain strategy.
• Oversee end-to-end supply chain functions including procurement and logistics.
• Negotiate high-value contracts and manage supplier performance.

Skills

Strategic planning

Supplier negotiations

Operational optimization

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

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

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Supply chain planning tools

Job description

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 the 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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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].