Director of Operations (dmw)

Coherent Corp. is the global leader in photonics empowering innovators to shape the future with breakthrough technologies from advanced materials to complete laser and optical systems.

Our solutions impact industrial communications electronics and instrumentation markets helping customers overcome complex challenges and unlock new possibilities. Headquartered in Saxonburg Pennsylvania we operate worldwide offering an international collaborative environment where research manufacturing and customer-focused teams drive innovation and deliver real-world results.

Location:Luebeck Hybrid: 3 days on-site per week

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead and inspire a team of 350 skilled professionals including engineers and PhD-level scientists. They are responsible for shaping the future of our operations by evaluating business strategies identifying growth opportunities and driving organisational change.

The successful candidate will foster a collaborative high-performance culture drive innovation through emerging technologies and lead transformational initiatives that reinforce our position as a global leader.

If you are passionate about inspiring teams delivering tangible impact and turning bold ideas into reality this is your chance to make a meaningful difference.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive strategic alignment and identify growth opportunities while managing risks.
• Lead business transformation initiatives and champion emerging technologies AI automation and digitalisation.
• Ensure operational excellence in quality cost and delivery through continuous improvement.
• Oversee supply chain production planning Quality Manufacturing Engineering and inventory optimization.
• Manage budgets financial performance and capital investments in alignment with business goals.
• Foster a high-performance collaborative culture and lead organizational change initiatives.
• Develop talent pipelines succession planning and promote employee safety and wellbeing.
• Collaborate globally to share best practices and implement operational improvements

ABOUT YOU

• Masters degree in Engineering Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in operations management ideally in high-tech manufacturing or the laser technology industry.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale operations.
• Strong expertise in lean manufacturing continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Exceptional communication interpersonal and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced results-driven environment.
• Knowledge of AI and emerging technologies with experience applying them in manufacturing.
• Experience in data-driven decision-making and driving business transformation initiatives.
• Global mindset with adaptability across international teams and cultures.