At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and supplier management for advanced laser technologies.
- Company: Global leader in photonics, shaping the future of high-tech industries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to integrity, collaboration, and accountability.
- Why this job: Drive innovation and impact in a cutting-edge manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
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 Scotland, our site is a key centre for laser and ultrafast laser technology, specialising in the development, manufacture, and lifecycle support of advanced laser systems for demanding industrial and scientific applications.
The Vice President, Procurement - Industrial will serve as the senior procurement leader and strategic business partner to the Industrial General Manager and leadership team. This role will lead procurement strategy across a diverse industrial portfolio, including engineered materials, lasers, and SiC-related businesses. The VP will be responsible for building and executing sourcing, supplier management, cost, risk, and supply assurance strategies that support business growth, margin expansion, customer delivery, product innovation, and operational excellence.
What you will be doing…
- Act as the strategic procurement partner to the Industrial business leadership team, aligning sourcing strategies with business growth, manufacturing requirements, customer commitments, and profitability objectives.
- Lead global sourcing and supplier management across a diverse portfolio of direct materials, engineered components, capital equipment, logistics, and indirect spend categories.
- Build and develop a high-performing global supplier network focused on cost, quality, delivery, innovation, capacity, and risk management.
- Drive commercial negotiations and supplier agreements, delivering cost savings, productivity improvements, working capital benefits, and margin expansion.
- Partner closely with engineering, operations, manufacturing, supply chain, finance, quality, and legal teams to support business priorities and operational excellence.
- Ensure supply continuity for critical materials and technologies through robust risk mitigation, supplier development, and performance management programs.
- Support new product introductions, manufacturing expansion initiatives, and strategic business transformation projects.
- Enhance procurement processes, systems, analytics, and reporting capabilities to improve decision-making and operational effectiveness across the Industrial segment.
About You
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Extensive experience in procurement, sourcing, supply chain, manufacturing, or operations leadership within a global organisation.
- Proven track record managing complex direct materials, engineered components, and technical supply chains in manufacturing environments.
- Strong expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier management, commercial negotiations, cost optimisation, and risk mitigation.
- Ability to influence and partner effectively with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders across engineering, operations, finance, quality, and supply chain.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to drive business performance through procurement strategies.
- Experience leading global teams and delivering results within matrixed organisations.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience within advanced manufacturing industries such as photonics, semiconductors, engineered materials, precision manufacturing, industrial technology, or related sectors, along with exposure to procurement transformation, supplier optimisation, value engineering, and global category management.
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 Alyxandra.Highland@coherent.com. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Vice President, Procurement - Industrial in Glasgow employer: Coherent
Coherent Corp is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Scotland that fosters innovation and collaboration within the high-tech industry. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional growth, with opportunities to lead strategic initiatives in procurement while working alongside a talented global team dedicated to advancing laser technology. The company's commitment to integrity, collaboration, and respect ensures a supportive culture where every team member can thrive and contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of photonics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice President, Procurement - Industrial in Glasgow
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Coherent.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Vice President, Procurement - Industrial in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Coherent:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Coherent. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Coherent.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coherent
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Coherent!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Coherent. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Coherent's culture.
