VP & GM – Optical Systems Division

Coherent Corp.

VP of Optical Systems leading global performance and strategy in optical networking business. Requires 20+ years experience in telecommunications and strong product management skills.

Posted 5/9/2026full-timeSanta Clara • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $205,000 - $350,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cloud

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own and drive the global end-to-end performance of the Optical Systems business, including revenue growth, profitability, and market share expansion across all geographical segments.
Define and execute the multi-year business strategy, aligned with company objectives and evolving market dynamics.
Establish clear operating rhythms, performance metrics, and accountability across the organization.
Lead the definition and evolution of the Optical Systems product portfolio, including Open Line Systems, transponders/muxponders, and coherent optics solutions.
Translate market requirements into differentiated product strategies and roadmaps, balancing innovation, time-to-market, and return on investment.
Ensure strong alignment between product management, engineering, and operations to deliver competitive and scalable solutions.
Build and maintain executive-level relationships with key customers, with a strong focus on hyperscale network operators, cloud providers, and select Tier 1 service providers.
Act as a senior external representative of the business, shaping customer perception and influencing strategic technology direction.
Drive deep understanding of customer architectures, deployment models, and long-term infrastructure needs to inform product and business strategy.
Lead and align cross-functional teams including Product Management, R&D/Engineering, Operations, and Customer-Facing organizations.
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and execution excellence across geographically distributed teams.
Provide oversight and guidance on R&D investments and priorities (direct management of R&D is a strong plus).

Requirements

What you’ll need

20+ years of experience in the telecommunications, optical networking, or data center infrastructure industry.
Strong background in product management and portfolio leadership, with a track record of bringing successful products/platforms to market.
Demonstrated experience in a general management, business unit leadership, or P&L ownership role.
Deep understanding of optical networking technologies, including DWDM, DCI, coherent optics, and routed optical networking architectures.
Proven ability to engage and influence hyperscale customers and Tier 1 operators at the executive and technical levels.
Strong business acumen, including financial planning, investment prioritization, and market-driven decision-making.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills across global teams.
BSc. or Ph.D. in a science or engineering field. MBA is a strong asset.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards
Commitment to company's values (ICARE): Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Enthusiasm

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

optical networkingDWDMDCIcoherent opticsrouted optical networkingproduct managementportfolio leadershipfinancial planninginvestment prioritizationmarket-driven decision-making

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationstakeholder managementaccountabilityinnovationexecution excellencerelationship buildinginfluencecross-functional team alignmentcustomer engagement

Certifications

BScPh.D.MBA