The Business Development Manager, Space and ISR market, provides input to and execution of the company’s strategic and tactical approach to the assigned markets. These markets are quickly developing and are key parts of Coherent’s growth plans.

The focus is on developing opportunities with new or existing capabilities in the target markets. A primary goal is to maintain a comprehensive view of Coherent’s pursuits in the markets, along with content on key platforms/programs and future projections of the business. The role should advise the Business Units of the business pipeline, product mix and key operational issues that might affect future business. The ideal candidate should be able to make persuasive and well-supported recommendations of potential strategic partnerships, investments and capabilities that could lead to increased business. Peer to peer relationships between Coherent personnel and the customer’s equivalent personnel are actively encouraged/scheduled and hosted, up to and including executive management.

This position works closely with the Account Managers, Product Managers, and site General Managers when new products or capabilities are introduced, a new division/group is targeted for expansion, or when government solicitations result in equivalent (or nearly equivalent) opportunities from multiple primes and Coherent’s response must be strategically managed.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Support Coherent’s pursuits in the Space and ISR Market by working directly with customers, account managers and product management staff as needed.
• Provides leadership in all aspects of Coherent’s interaction with customers as follows:
  • Conduit for pricing, quotes, and negotiations for assigned accounts. Work with Account Managers on market/product support when needed.
  • Seeks to aggressively grow Coherent’s footprint in the assigned markets by ensuring we have the right products, pricing and relationship to win.
  • Keeps Product Managers updated on the market dynamics and upcoming government and commercial programs. Provides advice on competitor activities, key differentiators, and likely competitive responses.
  • Understand Coherent’s current activities at key accounts and new pursuits in this market. Manage new pursuits at new customers directly. Help account and product managers understand the details of these programs, long term projections, and program health.
  • Provide recommendations to Product Management/Business Units on opportunities for new business that may require investment or new products/capabilities and assist with sales trainings on new capabilities.
  • Connects mid-level managers, engineers, quality personnel, buyers, etc. between the two companies as needed to facilitate efficient transactions and teamwork and build trust. Maintains customer organizational charts.
  • Provides advice to Senior Management on key decision makers, changes in the customer’s business, and market trends that may have a material impact.
  • Facilitates a regular executive engagement meetings with key market players to connect senior managers and foster long term relationships.

Education & Experience

Education : Minimum BS Degree (Materials Science, Optics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or equivalent preferred)

Work Experience : Min 10 years of experience with some combination of ISR Systems, lasers, IR imaging, space imaging, with the bulk of this time in key business or technical positions. At least 5 years’ experience in Aerospace and Defense with significant exposure/expertise to government methods of solicitation and contracting. Must have a current DOD Secret Clearance or be willing and capable of securing one.

Skills

• Experience in account management and track record of successful account growth and building strong relationships
• Excellent interpersonal skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational, financial, and business leadership abilities. Ability to motivate and guide teams without having a direct reporting structure
• Ability to understand and explain technical details at a level sufficient to be credible with customers
• Well-connected in the Space, ISR, laser and/or opto-electronics industry
• Ability to identify key technical details as business differentiators
• Ability to excel in a cross-organizational, cross-cultural, multi-location team environment
• Proficiency with Salesforce or other CRM software.
• Strong project management, attention to detail, organizational skills, and follow through
• Self-motivated and able to work productively with minimal supervision
• Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving

Working Conditions

Within company generally office environment or in a home office. Must be knowledgeable with operations and comfortable working with manufacturing personnel. Estimated 30% travel to customer locations and other activities (tradeshows/conferences) is anticipated. This travel must be efficient and cost effective.

Physical Requirements

Must carry multiple tasks/projects in parallel and interact successfully with a wide variety of personnel..

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corporate 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. They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.

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 company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust

C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

E nthusiasm – 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.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State."