Director, Production Planning

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and lead global production planning strategy aligned with business goals
• Own end-to-end planning processes (demand, supply, capacity, fulfillment)
• Establish and drive S&OP / IBP frameworks and governance
• Build long-term planning capabilities for NPI, product ramps, and network optimization
  
  

Operational Execution

• Lead production planning and order fulfillment across multiple sites
• Manage fab starts, WIP movement, and schedule stability
• Drive constraint and bottleneck management (capacity, downtime, toolsets)
• Oversee inventory optimization and material flow
• Monitor and improve KPIs: OTD, cycle time, inventory turns, forecast accuracy
• Ensure integrity and effectiveness of ERP/MRP and planning systems
  
  

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a global team of production planners
• Build capabilities in advanced planning, analytics, and decision-making
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and accountable culture
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and NPI teams on product launches and ramps
• Collaborate with Procurement and suppliers to ensure material availability
• Work with Finance on inventory, cost optimization, and E&O reduction
• Provide executive insights, risk analysis, and scenario planning
  
  

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Drive implementation and optimization of advanced planning systems (APS, ERP, MES integration)
• Standardize planning tools, processes, and best practices globally
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and digital transformation initiatives
• Utilize data analytics and BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) to improve decision-making
  
  

Global Coordination

• Coordinate planning across global manufacturing and supply networks
• Lead product transfers, load balancing, and capacity reallocation
• Ensure consistent planning governance and data integrity across regions
  
  

Required

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field
• 12 years of experience in production planning, supply chain, or operations within semiconductor manufacturing
• 5 years of leadership experience managing teams or global functions
• Proven experience with S&OP / IBP and demand-to-supply translation
• Experience supporting NPI and ramp to volume
  
  

Preferred

• Master’s degree (MBA, MS, Engineering, Supply Chain)
• Experience with APS / MES implementations or transformations
• APICS (CPIM/CSCP) and/or Lean Six Sigma certification
• Experience with external manufacturing partners (OSAT)
  
  

Skills

• Deep expertise in production planning, capacity planning, and supply chain management
• Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP, APS, and MES systems (Oracle APS or similar)
• Expertise in fab operations (fab starts, WIP control, cycle time, bottlenecks)
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Excel and BI tools (Power BI, Tableau)
• Strong financial acumen (inventory, cost, operational performance)
• Proven ability in change management and process transformation
• Excellent communication and executive influence skills
  
  

Working Conditions

• Office-based in a fast-paced semiconductor manufacturing environment
• Collaboration with global teams across multiple time zones
• Interaction with manufacturing sites, including cleanroom environments (PPE required)
• Occasional travel (domestic and international)
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Occasional walking through manufacturing environments
• Ability to wear required PPE
• Clear communication in in-person and virtual settings
  
  

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.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com .

About Us

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.

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