Director Program Management Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coherent 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 & Responsibilities

• Lead 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 & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field required
• Master's degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred

Experience

•  12-15+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• 7+ years of managerial and/or diversified leadership experience, including planning, communication, organizational effectiveness, and people motivation
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional or cross-business unit programs
• Experience operating in a senior leadership environment with executive-level stakeholders

Skills

• Strong program and project management skills, including planning, governance, risk management, and execution
• Ability to manage complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities in a matrixed organization
• Excellent written, verbal, and executive-level communication skills
• Proven ability to influence and build alignment across diverse stakeholders
• Strategic mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or similar) preferred
• Proficiency with program management tools and reporting systems
• Program or project management certification (e.g., PMP, PgMP) preferred
• Collaborate in a professional and respectful manner with coworkers, vendors, contractors, etc. 

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to 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

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.

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!
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.