Benefits Director

About Coherent Corp

Coherent Corp. is a global leader in materials, networking, and laser technologies, delivering innovative solutions that enable the world’s most advanced applications. Our work drives progress in industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets. At Coherent, we foster an inclusive, high-performance culture built on innovation, integrity, and collaboration across our worldwide team.

The Global Benefits Director will lead the strategy, design, and administration of Coherent’s employee benefits programs globally. This role is responsible for ensuring competitive, cost-effective, and compliant benefit offerings that align with Coherent’s Total Rewards strategy and business objectives. The Director will partner closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to deliver an exceptional employee experience that supports attraction, retention, and engagement.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global benefits strategy aligned with Coherent’s global Total Rewards philosophy.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory developments, and workforce needs to inform strategic recommendations.
• Partner with executive and regional leadership to ensure programs support organizational goals and employee well-being.

Program Management

• Lead the design, administration, and communication of all global health, welfare, and retirement plans, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), and retirement/pension plans globally.
• Oversee annual open enrollment planning, vendor renewals, and ongoing benefits operations to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service-level performance for benefits administration, insurance carriers, and consultants/brokers.
• Develop and maintain benefits analytics, benchmarking, and cost analysis to support data-driven decision-making.
• Develop and manage global wellness and recognition strategy and programs.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure compliance with all global benefits laws and regulations, including ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, IRS, DOL, and provincial requirements.
• Maintain plan documents, filings, and audit readiness in accordance with company and legal standards.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on compliance issues and coordinate with Legal and Finance on fiduciary oversight.

Employee Experience and Communication

• Lead benefits communication and education initiatives to increase employee understanding and engagement.
• Champion health, wellness, and mental well-being programs that promote a holistic approach to employee care.
• Ensure benefits information is accessible, transparent, and aligned with Coherent’s culture of care and innovation.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Manage and develop a team of benefits professionals supporting global programs and liaison between the total rewards center of expertise and HR services. 
• Partner with HR Business Partners, other centers of expertise, the HR service centers, Payroll, and HRIS teams to optimize end-to-end benefits administration.
• Collaborate with global Total Rewards peers to ensure consistency and alignment across regions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in employee benefits management, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. and Canadian benefits regulations and industry practices.
• Proven experience managing multiple benefit vendors and large-scale programs across regions.
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on program execution.
• Professional certifications such as CEBS, CBP, or SHRM-SCP preferred.

Skills

• Must possess a high level of flexibility and adaptability to handle both day-to-day operational requirements of the role, as well as think and act strategically in matters related to larger-scale, organizational objectives.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and coach at the senior level.
• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and results.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to changing business needs.
• Collaborative and capable of working across regions, cultures, and stakeholder groups.
• Strong project management skills and comfort managing complexity.
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Physical Requirements

Generally, this position works onsite at either our Santa Clara, California (Preferred), Sherman, Texas, or Saxonburg, Pennsylvania facilities with some flexibility to work on a hybrid basis when necessary.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

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.:

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.