In Germany, our teams are at the heart of Europe’s photonics and industrial laser ecosystem, combining engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing, and applied R&D to deliver high-precision laser and optical solutions for automotive, semiconductor, electronics, and advanced manufacturing customers worldwide.
The Role:
As a Demand Planning & Business Analytics Specialist, you will play a key role in delivering accurate demand forecasts, coordinating customer requirements across cross-functional teams, and providing data-driven insights that support operational and commercial decision-making. Working closely with Sales, Product Management, Production, Supply Chain, and Finance, you will develop and maintain reliable forecasts using historical data, market trends, and external factors, while enhancing reporting, KPI development, and business analytics. You will also drive continuous improvement by automating processes and optimizing forecasting and reporting tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and business performance.
What you will be doing:
Demand Planning & Forecast Management
- Analyze, consolidate, and validate customer demand while considering historical trends and external influencing factors to create reliable demand forecasts.
- Develop forecasts for customers who do not provide reliable volume outlooks.
- Maintain and update forecast, revenue, and planning files.
- Prepare and support SIOP, SOE, and OSI planning processes.
- Monitor forecast accuracy and error rates, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Identify demand risks, capacity constraints, and alternative planning scenarios.
Order & Delivery Coordination
- Collaborate closely with Sales, Product Management, Production, Supply Chain, and Finance teams.
- Monitor delivery performance, plan-versus-actual deviations, and outstanding customer demand.
- Support the coordination and communication of pull-ins, push-outs, priority changes, and delivery schedule updates.
- Prepare standardized information relating to delivery status, product availability, and customer updates.
Business Analytics & Continuous Improvement
- Develop, maintain, and enhance standard reports and dashboards, particularly using Power BI.
- Build transparent KPI frameworks covering forecasting, order management, service, and operational performance.
- Analyze revenue, forecast, returns, quality, and support data to provide meaningful business recommendations.
- Reduce manual reporting through automation of data processing and analytics.
- Support the harmonization and modernization of data structures, KPIs, and business systems.
About You:
You bring strong analytical skills and enjoy working with complex data to improve planning accuracy and business performance. You thrive in cross-functional environments and communicate effectively with stakeholders across the organization.
Ideally, you will have:
- A degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Data Analytics, or a comparable qualification.
- Several years of experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, Business Analytics, or a similar cross-functional role.
- Strong understanding of forecasting, order management, reporting processes, and KPI analysis.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with Power BI or similar Business Intelligence tools.
- The ability to structure and present complex information clearly for different audiences.
- A proactive approach, strong sense of ownership, and excellent communication skills within an international environment.
- Fluency in both German and English, written and spoken.
- Experience within a technical B2B manufacturing environment would be advantageous.
Ensure adherence to the 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
What We Offer
- Comprehensive and structured onboarding during your first six months, including support from a dedicated buddy.
- Excellent opportunities for personal and professional development.
- A technically exciting role within a growing high-tech industry.
- Flexible working hours.
- Modern office facilities with a well-equipped cafeteria.
- EGYM Wellpass membership, providing access to fitness studios, yoga classes, swimming pools, and more.
- Company-supported health initiatives and sports events.
- Supplemental accident insurance and company pension scheme.
- Employee stock purchase programme.
- JobRad bicycle leasing.
Excellent transport links with free employee parking and EV charging stations.
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 kris.cairns@coherent.com. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
