Director, Program Management

Director of Program ManagementCoherent is seeking an experienced Director of Program Management within the Optical Components Business Group to lead complex, cross–business unit initiatives that support the company's strategic priorities and operational excellence objectives. This role serves as a key integrator across the organization, providing leadership, structure, and accountability for enterprise programs that require strong collaboration, disciplined execution, and measurable results. The Program Manager partners closely with senior leaders, functional teams, and business units to translate strategy into actionable, multi-year programs.

The role establishes effective governance, ensures alignment and transparency, proactively manages risk, and enables continuous improvement in support of Coherent's business objectives and leadership principles.Primary Duties & ResponsibilitiesLead and manage complex, multi-year programs involving multiple functions and business units.Serve as the focal point for cross-business unit initiatives, ensuring alignment of priorities, scope, resources, and timelines.Establish and maintain program governance, including program plans, milestones, risk management, issue escalation, and performance reporting.Partner with senior leadership to align programs with strategic objectives and operational priorities.Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve processes, systems, and operating effectiveness.Monitor program performance against defined metrics; prepare and present status updates, risks, and recommendations to executive stakeholders.Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and dependencies; proactively resolve issues that may impact program outcomes.Coordinate and influence cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and accountability without direct authority.Support change management efforts to ensure adoption, sustainability, and realization of program benefits.Promote program management with best practices and contribute to the maturation of program management capabilities across the organization.Education & ExperienceEducationBachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field requiredMaster's degree (MBA or equivalent) preferredExperience12–15+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience7+ years of managerial and/or diversified leadership experience, including planning, communication, organizational effectiveness, and people motivationDemonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional or cross–business unit programsExperience operating in a senior leadership environment with executive-level stakeholdersSkillsStrong program and project management skills, including planning, governance, risk management, and executionAbility to manage complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities in a matrixed organizationExcellent written, verbal, and executive-level communication skillsProven ability to influence and build alignment across diverse stakeholdersStrategic mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilitiesExperience with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or similar) preferredProficiency with program management tools and reporting systemsProgram or project management certification (e.g., PMP, PgMP) preferredCollaborate in a professional and respectful manner with coworkers, vendors, contractors, etc.Culture CommitmentEnsure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:Integrity – Create an Environment of TrustCollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of IdeasAccountability – Own the Process and the OutcomeRespect – Recognize the Value in EveryoneEnthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in WorkCoherent 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