Transportation Program Manager - Europe

Job Description

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Provide transportation analysis with a focus on business unit and supply chain requirements.
• Develop recommendations for freight cost savings and process streamlining opportunities.
• Prepare and present quarterly transportation reports, including cost savings opportunities, achievements, and performance updates.
• Develop and maintain transportation billing systems to ensure accurate supplier payments and account coding.
• Resolve shipping issues and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Create, maintain, and update standard operating procedures and transportation process documentation.
• Train freight forwarders and carriers on transportation processes and requirements.
• Conduct carrier sourcing activities, including domestic and international transportation RFPs.
• Execute carrier onboarding and implementation activities for domestic and international transportation services.
• Maintain approved carrier lists and routing guides, ensuring compliance across business units.
• Conduct quarterly business reviews with carriers and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare shipping forecasts and support transportation planning activities.
• Review, negotiate, and manage carrier contracts and freight rate agreements.
• Partner with business units to maximize transportation savings opportunities and provide regular status updates.
• Advise departments on opportunities to improve logistics and transportation performance.
• Manage carrier performance and drive corrective actions in response to service failures.
• Coordinate one‑time shipments and rate quotations to support business requirements.
• Monitor, develop, and report transportation key performance indicators (KPIs).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience managing transportation operations within a global organization.
• Experience managing carriers, freight forwarders, or other third‑party logistics providers.
• Experience using Oracle Transportation Management (OTM) or a comparable Transportation Management System (TMS).
• Experience in contract management and freight rate negotiations.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• 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.