Supply Chain Manager

The Emerging Laser Subsystems (ELS) business unit in Coherent Aerospace & Defense Inc. is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to lead supply chain operations across its multiple sites. The Supply Chain Manager will be responsible for managing a small procurement group across sites in CO, OH, and NJ and will actively participate in all aspects of supply‑chain management and procurement while the group is small and growing.

This role involves collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams on exciting and challenging product developments in the areas of high‑energy lasers, gimballed assemblies, space‑based optical telescopes, and active sensing.

• Management of and active participation within a small team of procurement specialists
• Supplier management, including developing and implementing strategic sourcing plans and establishing long‑term relationships with key suppliers to realize cost savings and favorable terms
• Development of cost‑reduction strategies
• Assisting program management in oversight of vendor contract performance

Developing synergistic relationships with procurement groups in sister Aerospace & Defense business units, establishing and de‑conflicting EP&T‑specific processes within a common ERP system.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, STEM discipline or other relevant discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree and 5+ years of relevant experience.

Necessary skills and experiences

• Supply chain management, including supplier sourcing and procurement
• Seasoned planner and buyer
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills
• Staff management and team development

Preferred skills and experiences

• Strategic sourcing, especially related to precision opto‑mechanical assemblies or laser systems
• Supply cost‑control
• Demonstrated success in contract negotiations
• Experience with multiple ERP systems, especially IFS, Oracle and Costpoint
• Procurement for aerospace and defensive programs
• Familiarity with operations functions other than supply chain management (e.g. quality, inventory)

Must have or able to obtain a security clearance.

Job operates in a professional office environment, manufacturing floor, and in clean room facilities

Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines

Work in a cubicle area – must be able to work in environment where employees are on the phone / speaking causing potential distractions throughout the day.

Noise level – Usually moderate for the manufacturing floor and clean room facilities.

A hybrid remote/in‑office work arrangement may be possible.

Standing. Particularly for sustained periods of time. 25% of the time.

Walk. Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

Talking. Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other employees accurately, loudly, or quickly.

Hearing. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.

Lifting. Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position‑to‑position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles. No more than 10 to 15 pounds.

Sedentary Work
. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Visual acuity
. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent A&D EHS standards. This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.

Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently.…