Senior Operations Manager, Defense at Coherent in Bloomfield, Connecticut

Job Description:

Job Description and Responsibilities:

With an incredible range of innovative medical, scientific and commercial lasers, Coherent is home to the most talented professionals in the industry. Join the brightest and largest team in the business to help continually take Coherent laser solutions into future generations.

The Defense group, which specializes in high power laser systems, has a need for a Senior Operations Manager to lead the defense operations team.

The ideal candidate will have a hands-on leadership approach and is expected to grow and shape the operations team to ensure current success and future growth. This is fast-paced environment with changing requirements, new products, and an evolving technology portfolio. In a growing business environment, candidate must be a key stake holder / driver in transforming the operations unit into a high functioning AS9100 Certified Operation. Must be an agent for continuous improvement as the BU continues to develop technologies, processes and the business pivots from development to production. This role will be working in collaboration with peers in Engineering, Product Line Management, Finance, Human Resources, Quality and Reliability, and Business Unit Manager to develop annual operating and long-term strategic plans.

Responsibilities:

• Drives the long-range strategic planning process for operations by overseeing and managing all manufacturing operations, including manufacturing itself, production control, manufacturing engineering, inventory control, purchasing, planning and shipping/receiving activities.


• Translates customer requirements into competitive and value driven manufacturing strategies and processes, resulting in cost-effective processing and profitable manufacturing of company products.


• Develops operations-related plans, budgets, and policies and procedures.


• Maintains safety and regulatory compliance relating to the production facility.


• Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function.


• Directs and supports subordinate managers in the procurement of materials, Logistics, Mfg. Process development and direct manufacturing of products.


• Carries out managerial responsibilities according to the organization's policies and procedures. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assisting and directing, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems


• Responsible for organizing, administering and directing a team approach among direct reports to maximize throughput, improve manufacturing products and control operating expenses


• Responsible for developing a responsive, flexible, safe manufacturing operation to meet the changing demands of our customer base


• With the assistance of quality control management, establishes quality control standards throughout the entire manufacturing process by developing or revising standard operating procedures to ensure consistent products


• Reviews and coordinates production activities with product development, product line management and quality assurance to ensure new products are developed which meet the objectives of the business unit for cost, reliability and volume


• Defines manufacturing objectives, develops short- and long- range goals, and works with business managers and related departments to determine manufacturing capabilities and capacity requirements.


• With business unit manager and product line marketing works to evaluate and promote improved and expanded manufacturing capabilities and services


• Develop and/or monitor Key Performance Indicators and ensure adequate management reporting on the performance of the area. Includes but not limited to: Rolled Throughput Yield, Mfg. Exp / Rev, COGS Turns, OTD, Recordable Injuries


• Manage expenditures to achieve budgeted targets. Ensure production is run efficiently, waste is kept to a minimum and equipment is maintained to company standards


• Manage cost improvement initiatives to achieve on-going operational cost optimization. Includes Implementation of LEAN Mfg. Techniques for labor efficiency, Material Cost Reductions and Reduction of variable spend

Education and Work Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a Defense / Aerospace or equivalent environment in an operations leadership position


• Documented history of driving operational excellence


• LEAN Manufacturing and Strong Root Cause Problem solving skills


• Strong Financial analysis skills


• Must be able to read and extract critical information from a P&L


• Experience with optical fiber assemblies and/or high power lasers is a plus


• Must be eligible to obtain an active US Security Clearance.


• Must be a U.S. citizen

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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