VP of Strategy and Markets Development

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the Communications BG's short-, mid-, and long-term business strategies.
• Drive annual strategic planning processes, including market assessments, growth scenarios, and investment prioritization.
• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities, adjacent business segments, and emerging technologies.
• Develop strategic recommendations to accelerate revenue growth, market share gains, and profitability.
• Partner with Business Unit leaders to align product, technology, and commercial strategies with market opportunities.

Market Intelligence & Insights

• Establish a world-class market intelligence capability covering: AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, Data Center Networking, Optical Transport Networks, Coherent Optical Communications, Cloud and Hyperscale Markets, Telecom and Service Provider Networks, Emerging Optical Connectivity Solutions.
• Monitor industry trends, customer investment patterns, and technology roadmaps.
• Deliver actionable market insights to guide strategic decisions and product investments.
• Develop market forecasts, TAM/SAM/SOM analyses, and business outlooks.

Portfolio & Investment Strategy

• Lead portfolio management reviews to optimize product and technology investments.
• Evaluate build, buy, partner, or acquire opportunities.
• Assess strategic fit and business cases for new product platforms and growth initiatives.
• Recommend resource allocation across growth priorities and strategic programs.
• Partner with Finance to support investment decisions and capital allocation.

Competitive Strategy

• Lead competitive intelligence efforts across communications markets.
• Analyze competitors' strategies, product roadmaps, market positioning, and investment trends.
• Develop competitive response strategies and executive-level recommendations.
• Support sales and product teams with market positioning and differentiation strategies.

Business Development & Strategic Partnerships

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that enhance market access and growth.
• Support strategic customer engagements with hyperscalers, telecom operators, system vendors, and ecosystem partners.
• Lead strategic evaluations of alliances, joint ventures, and technology partnerships.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investment assessments.

Executive Leadership & Business Performance

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the EVP and Communications BG Leadership Team.
• Facilitate strategic reviews and business planning sessions.
• Drive cross-functional initiatives involving Product Management, R&D, Sales, Operations, and Finance.
• Present strategic recommendations and market insights to executive leadership and the Board when required.
• Establish key strategic metrics and monitor execution against growth objectives.

Education & Experience

• MS or PhD degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, or related field required.
• MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.
• 15+ years of leadership experience in telecommunications, optical networking, datacenter infrastructure, semiconductors, photonics, or related technology sectors.
• Proven experience in strategy, business planning, corporate development, market intelligence, or general management roles.
• Deep understanding of communications markets and industry dynamics.
• Experience working with global customers and technology ecosystems.
• Demonstrated success influencing executive-level business decisions.
• Knowledge & Expertise: Strong knowledge of Optical communications technologies, Coherent optics and pluggable modules, AI networking infrastructure, Datacenter architectures, Cloud and hyperscale ecosystems, Telecom networking markets, Strong financial and business acumen, Experience with strategic planning frameworks and portfolio management.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Executive Presence
• Market Insight
• Business Acumen
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Change Leadership
• Influencing and Stakeholder Management
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Innovation Mindset
• Global Perspective

Physical Requirements

• May work in prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer or standing in front of a classroom to facilitate.

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

• 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

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!