VP of Strategy and Operations & Assistant Corporate Secretary at Coherent Corp. in Santa Clara, California

Job Description:

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic leader to serve as the Vice President of Strategy and Operations & Assistant Corporate Secretary. This multifaceted role is pivotal in supporting our legal and global affairs function, optimizing the operational infrastructure, systems, and processes that enable the function to deliver on its strategic priorities. This role will oversee legal operations, sustainability, organizational strategy, and serve as the Assistant Corporate Secretary for the Board of Directors. The successful candidate will work closely with the Chief Legal and Global Affairs Officer to ensure the effective management of resources, budget, technology stack, and continuous improvement initiatives as well as drive employee engagement and business excellence across the function.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

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  Strategic Planning and Operations
  
  
  • Lead annual strategic planning for the legal and global affairs function, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and goals.
  • Manage the Legal Operations and Sustainability teams, fostering a high-performance, growth-oriented culture.
  • Drive operational improvements to optimize team effectiveness and deliver measurable impact.
  
  
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  Global Affairs
  
  
  • Partner with the Chief Legal and Global Affairs Officer to build a government affairs and policy team to advocate for the company's priorities at the local, state, and federal levels.
  • Develop and implement policy strategies that align with the company goals and regulatory compliance requirements.
  • Operationalize the engagements with key policymakers, government officials, and industry groups to influence policy and promote favorable business environments.
  • Develop systems to monitor and assess legislative and regulatory changes, ensuring the company adapts to evolving policy landscapes.
  • Lead internal cross-functional efforts to align the company's positions on public policy matters.
  
  
• 
  Legal Operations Management
  
  
  • Lead and optimize all aspects of Legal Operations, including vendor management, technology adoption, budgeting, and resource planning.
  • Develop and implement processes to improve efficiency, manage legal spend, and support risk management objectives.
  • Oversee project management of key legal initiatives, ensuring timely and effective execution.
  
  
• 
  Corporate Governance and Board Support
  
  
  • Serve as the Assistant Corporate Secretary for the Board of Directors, supporting all Board and committee meetings, including preparing agendas, documentation, and meeting minutes.
  • Ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements, maintaining accurate and confidential records.
  • Partner with the Chief Legal and Global Affairs Officer to support Board strategy, communications, and engagement initiatives.
  
  
• 
  Sustainability Oversight
  
  
  • Lead the company's sustainability program, setting and executing strategies that advance our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement sustainability initiatives that align with corporate values and enhance long-term value.
  • Oversee ESG reporting, ensuring transparency and alignment with relevant standards.
  
  
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  Chief of Staff Responsibilities
  
  
  • Act as a key advisor and partner to the Chief Legal and Global Affairs Officer, supporting strategic decision-making and priority setting.
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration within the legal and global affairs team and other departments to align resources and achieve strategic objectives.
  • Oversee departmental budgeting, resource allocation, and performance measurement to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.
  
  
• 
  Employee Engagement and Communications
  
  
  • Develop and execute internal communications strategies to support team engagement, culture, and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Act as a key resource in promoting an inclusive, collaborative culture through programs and communications that enhance employee experience.
  
  
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  People Manager Responsibilities
  
  
  • Participate in the Performance Review, Goal Setting and Merit Process for assigned employees.
  • Drive employee performance through coaching, mentorship and corrective action when needed for assigned employees.
  
  

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• 15+ years of experience in legal operations, corporate governance, government affairs, or a related field, with demonstrated strategic leadership and operational management capabilities.
• Proven experience supporting executive leaders, managing confidential information, and facilitating high-level stakeholder interactions.

• Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage complex projects and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in legal technology, operations management, and policy advocacy tools preferred.
• Excellent leadership, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills coupled with the ability to actively listen
• Ability to effectively build relationships across all locations and positions within the organization
• Ability to learn and understand the organization and how it functions in order to apply that understanding to projects and assignments
• Self-starter and excellent teammate
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Availability to speak with colleagues in international time zones is required.
• Proven track record of ethical conduct and integrity.
• Ability to maintain trust and confidentiality

• Ability to work full-time during core business hours in an in-office setting.
• Ability to work extended hours (early morning, evening, or weekend), when necessary.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, when necessary.

• Ability to sit for an extended period of time.

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

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

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com .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 the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.Job Summary: We are seeking a dynamic, strategic leader to serve as the Vice President of Strategy and Operations & Assistant Corporate Secretary. This multifaceted role is pivotal in supporting our legal and global affairs function, optimizing the operational infrastructure, systems, and processes that enable the function to deliver on its strategic priorities. This role will oversee legal operations, sustainability, organizational strategy, and serve as the Assistant Corporate Secretary for the Board of Directors. The successful candidate will work closely with the Chief Legal and Global Affairs Officer to ensure the effective management of resources, budget, technology stack, and continuous improvement initiatives as well as drive employee engagement and business excellence across the function.