Senior Materials Manager (d/m/w)

Coherent is a global leader in photonics, developing advanced laser, optical and materials technologies that enable semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications and precision industrial applications worldwide.

In Germany, our teams combine engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing and applied R&D to deliver high-precision laser and optical solutions for customers across the automotive, semiconductor, electronics and advanced manufacturing industries.

The Role:

We are looking for an experienced leader to take overall responsibility for Materials Management and the SIOP process at our Lübeck site.

You will lead and develop the Materials Management organisation across Purchasing & Planning, Warehouse, Logistics and Order Fulfilment, ensuring an effective end-to-end flow of materials and information throughout the operation.

Working closely with Production, Strategic Procurement, Quality, EHS, HR, Finance, R&D/NPI and global stakeholders, you will drive material availability, delivery performance, inventory optimisation and operational efficiency while continuously developing our supply chain processes, systems and standards.

The position is hybrid with focus on on-site presence.

What you will be doing:

• Take overall responsibility for the planning, management and continuous optimisation of all materials management processes.
• Lead and develop the Materials Management organisation, including Purchasing & Planning, Warehouse, Logistics and Order Fulfilment.
• Manage resources, capacity and priorities to ensure delivery performance, inventory levels, lead times and costs are effectively controlled.
• Ensure material availability and maintain a stable, reliable supply of materials to Production.
• Own and lead the SIOP process for the Lübeck site, connecting demand, inventory, capacity, production and operational requirements.
• Work closely with Production, Quality, EHS, HR, Finance, R&D/NPI and global stakeholders to develop integrated end-to-end processes.
• Analyse and optimise inventory, forecasting and SIOP/IBP processes to improve operational performance and business visibility.
• Develop and manage KPI frameworks, using data and performance indicators to identify issues, establish priorities and implement improvement actions.
• Continuously improve supply chain processes, systems and operating standards.
• Promote Lean methodologies and encourage effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Quality, EHS and regulatory requirements.
• Support audits and proactively identify and manage supply chain risks.
• Lead and develop the Materials Management organisation, including Purchasing & Planning, Warehouse, Logistics and Order Fulfilment.
• Take responsibility for workforce planning, objective setting, performance management and employee development.
• Lead and coordinate strategic optimisation projects, including Make-or-Buy initiatives and site-related projects, with responsibility for planning, risk management and implementation.

About You:

You are an experienced operational leader with a strong understanding of manufacturing, materials management and end-to-end supply chain processes. You combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach and are comfortable using data and KPIs to drive performance and continuous improvement.

You will ideally bring:

• A completed degree in Engineering/Industrial Engineering or a related discipline.
• Extensive professional and leadership experience within Materials Management, Supply Chain, , Production and/or Operations.
• Experience working within a Materials Management, Supply Chain,  ideally within an international organisation.
• Proven experience leading leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of materials management and the interaction between Planning, Purchasing, Logistics, Warehouse, Order Fulfilment and Production.
• Strong understanding of SIOP/IBP, forecasting, inventory management and end-to-end information flow.
• Strong experience managing operational performance through KPIs and analytical insights and proven experience of supply chain planning ERP systems (MS Dynamics, Oracle ASCP or SAP).
• In-depth knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience driving organisational change and implementing process improvements.
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple areas of the business.
• A proactive, entrepreneurial and hands-on leadership style.
• C1-level English.

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position:

?? 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

Application & Selection

Current employees who wish to apply should submit a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the application process, please reach out to kris.cairns@coherent.com. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.