Director, QED Optics

At QED Technologies, located in the heart of Rochester's optics and photonics hub, our Optics Business Unit is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of high-end optical solutions for several key end markets. This is your chance to collaborate with a skilled team, mentor emerging talent, and craft a promising future in the optics field.
Scope of Role:In this pivotal role, you will lead and drive the profitability and growth of the Optics Business Unit, aligned with the strategic goals of QED Technologies. Your responsibilities include coaching and leading the team, overseeing commercial, manufacturing, and technical resources, and managing the P&L for the QED Optics Business Unit.
Essential Duties:

Business Leadership:

• Manage revenue and margin against QED annual business plan.
• Create and maintain business line strategies, facility plans, and roadmaps based on market insights.
• Support the deployment of cost and price strategies in line with the CFO.
• Develop tools for tracking and analyzing pricing effectiveness and profitability.
• Work closely to manage the production and planning teams, ensuring customer quality and on time delivery expectations are achieved

Strategy & Commercial Leadership:

• Directly support sales and marketing activities.
• Prioritize investments and resource allocation in line with strategic roadmaps.
• Manage and exceed sales forecasts through effective tactical planning.
• Ensure the timely delivery of strategic and customer-centric projects.
• Work closely with the QED CEO to craft and execute strategic plans.
• Communicate and reinforce strategy execution across QED Optics.

Technical Leadership:

• Drive the advancement of precision optics and optical fabrication, including both conventional and CNC-made optics.
• Lead initiatives in key end markets such as Defense, Astronomy, Aerospace, and R&D applications.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to maintain QED's competitive edge.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering; MBA preferred
• At least 10 years of experience in Product Development, Supply Chain, or Manufacturing leadership in the Optics Industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in precision optics and optical fabrication techniques is required.
• Experience in key end markets: Directed Energy, Astronomy, Aerospace, and R&D applications.
• A proven track record of leadership and business growth.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and customer interaction skills.
• A proactive change agent committed to continuous improvement.
• Strong team-building and motivational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Travel Requirement: Ability to travel ~25% to meet business needs.

Estimated salary range for this role is $175,000-$195,000

In addition to the salary, this position qualifies for a competitive annual bonus based on company and individual performance.

The salary offered will be determined by the qualifications of the candidate as compared with current employees with similar qualifications and experience (internal equity)