Sr. Director, Manufacturing Operations

Crossett Search & Advisory Group • Full-time • San Francisco Bay Area, US • $250k - $290k / year • 2d ago

Our firm has partnered with a flourishing, well-known semi-conductor company located in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area for a newly created Sr. Director, Manufacturing Operations role. This organization is poised for incredible growth and the right candidate will be part of this exciting journey. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic individual to step into the role toplay a vital role in shaping the vision, operational excellence, and ongoing advancement of the global operations. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the full operational, strategic, and cultural direction of the site. The ideal candidate will bring deep semiconductor manufacturing expertise, a passion for technical excellence, and a proven ability to lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Operational Leadership

Oversee all fab operations including wafer fabrication, assembly & test, equipment engineering, process control, and facilities.
Drive first-pass line yield to industry benchmarks through a “first time right” culture.
Lead technology transfer of key process capabilities between sites to build a resilient, flexible global supply chain network.
Drive cycle time performance to best-in-class benchmarks through disciplined execution and continuous improvement.
Develop and maintain a dynamic capacity model to support technology ramps and volume scaling.
Manage COGS elements—labor, materials, equipment—to meet aggressive financial targets.
Oversee equipment lifecycle planning aligned with technology nodes and productivity goals.
Implement best-in-class practices in lean manufacturing, statistical process control (SPC), and automation.

Strategic Operations:

Define and execute a long-range site strategy including capital investment, inventory optimization, and cycle time reduction.
Collaborate with R&D and business units to align fab capabilities with future node transitions and customer needs.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities that position the fab as a strategic growth enabler.

Leadership and Team Development:

Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the global facilities team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability.
Mentor and develop high-performing teams, cultivating talent and building capabilities aligned with the company’s growth and operational goals.
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional leaders, driving company-wide initiatives and ensuring strategic alignment with business objectives.
Attract, retain, and develop top talent across engineering, operations, and support functions.

Leadership Behaviors:

Lead with Ownership and Clarity: Make confident, insight-driven decisions and challenge conventional thinking.
Motivate and Develop Exceptional Teams: Build trust, inspire excellence, and enable teams to solve complex challenges.
Focus on the Customer and shape what’s next: Lead with foresight, anticipate change, and drive innovation that scales.

WHO YOU ARE:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree (MS, MBA, or PhD) preferred.
10+ years of progressive leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, including 5+ years in senior fab or plant leadership.(Required)
Deep understanding of semiconductor process flows (e.g., photolithography, etch, deposition, metrology).
Proven success in high-mix, low-volume, and/or startup mode environments.
Strong financial acumen with P&L and/or COGS experience.
Experience with fab automation, MES systems, and data-driven decision-making.
Demonstrated experience in ISO, IATF, or other quality management systems
Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse, operational team.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Compensation:

The base salary range for this full-time position is $250,000 to $290,000 plus bonus and equity. The final compensation package will be determined by the work experience, education, and skill level of the applicant along with internal equity and alignment with geographic market data.

Benefits offered for this role include medical, dental, vision, EAP, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, flexible spending and savings accounts, 401(k), ESPP and paid time off.