Transportation Program Manager - Europe

Coherent Corp is the global leader in photonics, designing and manufacturing advanced laser, optical, and materials technologies. Our innovations power semiconductor manufacturing, AI infrastructure, advanced communications, and precision industrial systems worldwide. With a global footprint and cutting-edge manufacturing and R&D, we're shaping the future of high-tech industries.

In Germany, our teams are at the heart of Europe's photonics and industrial laser ecosystem, combining engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing, and applied R&D to deliver high-precision laser and optical solutions for automotive, semiconductor, electronics, and advanced manufacturing customers worldwide.

The Role

The Europe Transportation Program Manager leads transportation strategy and execution across European operations, focusing on cost optimization, carrier management, and process improvement. The role partners closely with business units, supply chain teams, and logistics providers to deliver freight savings, improve operational performance, and support transportation requirements across domestic and international networks.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading transportation analysis activities aligned with business unit and supply chain requirements.
• Identifying and implementing freight cost savings and transportation optimization opportunities.
• Managing transportation projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with carriers, freight forwarders, and internal stakeholders.
• Supporting transportation compliance, operational efficiency, and service excellence across European operations.

What you will be doing:

• Provide transportation analysis with a focus on business unit and supply chain requirements.
• Manage multimillion dollar transportation spend and carrier relationships.
• Develop and maintain billing systems to ensure accuracy of supplier payments/account coding.
• Resolve shipping issues and make recommendations for process improvements.
• Creating and revising standard operating procedures for logistics processes.
• Lead Oracle Transportation Management (OTM) implementation and optimization.
• Lead carrier RFP's, sourcing initiatives and contract negotiations for domestic and international transportation.
• Manage air, ocean & parcel and ground transportation programs.
• Conduct quarterly business reviews with business units and carriers.
• Preparation of shipping forecasts.
• Review and negotiate carrier contracts, including negotiating freight rates.
• Working with business units to maximise transportation savings potential and providing quarterly status reports.
• Lead Transportation network optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Taking corrective action with carriers in the event of service failures.

• Monitor and develop Transportation KPI's.

About You:

Required qualifications and experience.

• Minimum 7 years of experience managing transportation operations within a global organization.

• Experience managing international transportation operations.

• Experience using Oracle Transportation Management (OTM) or a comparable Transportation Management System (TMS).

• Strong knowledge of incoterms, customs processes and transportation regulations.

• Strong analytical, project management and executive communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience creating process flow diagrams using Microsoft Visio or similar tools.
• Knowledge of databases and Power BI is advantageous.

Ensure adherence to the 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 [email protected]. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.