Development Director Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

The Director of Corporate Development plays a critical role in shaping and executing Coherent's growth strategy. Reporting to senior leadership, this position is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and executing mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and other strategic initiatives that support the company's long-term objectives.

This highly visible role partners closely with executive leaders across business units and corporate functions to assess market opportunities, develop strategic recommendations, and lead transactions from initial evaluation through execution and integration planning.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Partner with executive leadership to evaluate and refine Coherent's corporate growth strategy and strategic priorities.
• Identify, assess, and prioritize acquisition, divestiture, partnership, licensing, and joint venture opportunities across Coherent's markets and technology platforms.
• Lead all phases of the M&A process, including opportunity sourcing, strategic assessment, valuation, financial modeling, due diligence, negotiation, transaction structuring, and execution.
• Develop investment theses and business cases for potential transactions, incorporating market analysis, competitive intelligence, financial returns, and strategic fit.
• Build and maintain relationships with investment banks, private equity firms, venture capital organizations, technology companies, industry advisors, and other external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with business unit leaders to identify growth opportunities, technology gaps, and portfolio optimization initiatives.
• Support strategic planning activities, including market analysis, competitive benchmarking, and long-range growth initiatives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, adjacent markets, and new business opportunities that can enhance Coherent's competitive position.
• Prepare presentations and recommendations for executive leadership, the CEO, and the Board of Directors.
• Partner with functional teams, including Finance, Legal, HR, Operations, and Integration leaders, to ensure successful transaction execution and value realization.
Support post-acquisition integration planning and execution to achieve strategic and financial objectives.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business, Engineering, Economics, or related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, strategy consulting, venture investing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex M&A transactions, strategic investments, or partnership initiatives.
• Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical capabilities.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across multiple functions and levels of the organization.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.

Skills

• Experience in semiconductor, photonics, lasers, optical communications, industrial technology, advanced manufacturing, electronics, or related technology sectors.
• MBA or advanced degree.
• Experience leading cross-border transactions and working in a global business environment.
Familiarity with technology portfolio management, market expansion strategies, and integration planning.

What Success Looks Like

• Successfully identifies and executes strategic transactions that accelerate revenue growth, expand technology capabilities, and strengthen competitive positioning.
• Serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on strategic and investment decisions.
• Develops strong internal and external relationships that expand Coherent's access to strategic opportunities.
Drives data-driven recommendations that support long-term shareholder value creation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work for extended periods at a computer, reviewing financial data, preparing presentations, and analyzing documents
Ability to participate in meetings, travel occasionally for business purposes, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders

Safety Requirements

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.:

I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust

C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

E nthusiasm – 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.