Director of Product Development

Overview Optical Component thermoelectric coolers (TECs) provide thermal management solutions within the Telecom and Datacom markets. Coherent Thermal Solutions (CTS) is a leader in this market, known for world‑class quality and stability (designing and manufacturing TECs since 1973). Volume production is in Vietnam, ensuring competitive products. Driven by growth in thermal management demand, CTS seeks a Director of Product Management to lead continued achievement and further growth. Responsibilities Strategic, customer‑focused leader responsible for driving product strategy, engaging customers, managing financial performance, and delivering marketing and technical content that supports business growth. Primary duties include: Manage P&L and financial performance – 60% of effort. Lead product line strategy aligned with company vision and growth objectives; drive revenue growth of new and existing products. Collaborate across Coherent to drive vertical integration and product offering expansion. Develop annual product line vision, strategies, and goals based on market and business data; drive action to achieve them. Develop long‑term roadmaps, balancing current product needs with future market opportunities. Create and present business cases for major investments, ensuring alignment with financial and strategic goals. Define product requirements and features, connecting customer needs to competitive advantages. Drive product engineering teams to design and develop manufacturable standard and customized products to achieve market share leadership and meet revenue and profit goals. Prepare and present revenue and gross margin forecasts and capacity planning. Define capacity needs and, if necessary, work with Operations on expansion; provide business case inputs for any capital expense. Serve as the executive voice of the product, influencing stakeholders and shaping organizational priorities. Continuously evaluate product and portfolio performance using financial metrics and customer data; drive cost‑reduction activities. Deliver executive‑level presentations, storytelling, and data‑driven decision‑making. Oversee full product lifecycle management, adapting strategies to evolving markets and technologies. Partner with engineering, R&D, marketing, operations, and sales to deliver cohesive and differentiated product offerings. Collaborate with R&D to define and develop next‑generation product designs and process capabilities; manage investment and gate reviews. Monitor competitive landscapes and develop mitigation and response plans. Define marketing needs and strategies for attainment. Orchestrate product launches or releases. Supporting the business – 40% of effort: Develop and manage strong business/technical relationships with customers. Drive sales teams to maximize bookings and revenues. Review customer requirements and work with Sales, Marketing, R&D, and Operations on winning proposals. Provide sales with customer communication messages and strategies relevant to the product line. Lead engineering to provide outstanding technical support, fostering repeat business and new bookings. Monitor and coordinate order fulfillment to meet cost, lead‑time, on‑time delivery, volume, quality and margin objectives; mitigate constraints. Drive ongoing cost‑reduction activities. Education & Experience BS in Engineering or a technical field is required. MBA or MS/PhD in Engineering strongly preferred. Significant business experience (Product Management, Engineering, Operations Management, Sales, R&D, and/or Product Marketing) in the Datacom and/or Telecom market; experience with optical transceivers and customer engagement within leading Datacom companies is strongly preferred. Proven track record of delivering results, influencing strategy, and driving innovation. 15+ years of experience in Product Management/Engineering Leadership roles in the Datacom and/or Telecom industry. Skills & Other Requirements Advanced strategic, systemic, and entrepreneurial mindset. Deep product acumen with ability to identify and capture market opportunities. Strong technical knowledge of the product line(s) and applications. Strong financial and business analysis skills to evaluate investments and product line performance. Excellent executive communication and persuasive presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor cross‑level product management talent. Ability to influence decision‑making across all levels of the organization. Highly adaptable and decisive in dynamic market environments. Experience with problem analysis and resolution at strategic and functional levels. Ability to travel internationally, up to 25% anticipated. Support customers and team members in Asia and the US; evening calls, 1‑2 nights per week. Working Conditions Normal office conditions. Physical Requirements Must be able to remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with others to exchange information. Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. Safety Requirements All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards, and use proper protective equipment (PPE) as required. Managers will ensure consistent compliance, risk assessments, training, work instructions, and PPE availability. Quality & Environmental Responsibilities Depending on location, this position may be responsible for executing and maintaining ISO 9000, 9001, 14001, and/or other applicable standards within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System. Employees must maintain a safe, clean, organized, and environmentally compliant work environment and adhere to housekeeping standards. Culture Commitment Adhere to Coherent’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of the 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. 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 industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent offers a comprehensive career development platform and rewards excellence with a competitive compensation program, offering stability, longevity and growth. #J-18808-Ljbffr