Role Overview for VP, Manufacturing Site Head with a Semiconductor OEM – San Jose, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized leader in the semiconductor Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) industry. Our client is at the forefront of technological innovation, developing and producing the complex capital equipment that powers the world’s most advanced microchips. We are seeking a visionary and results-driven executive to join their team as the Vice President, Manufacturing Site Head for their flagship facility in San Jose, CA.
This is a pivotal leadership role with complete ownership of the site’s manufacturing operations, strategy, and performance. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of complex, high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments, particularly within the semiconductor equipment sector. You will be responsible for translating the company’s strategic objectives into actionable operational plans, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality products on time and within budget. As the leader of this critical site, you will directly influence the company’s profitability, market competitiveness, and long-term growth trajectory. You will be tasked with not just managing the present but also building the future of manufacturing at this facility, scaling operations to meet future demand, and integrating next-generation technologies to maintain a competitive edge. This role requires a leader who can inspire a large, multi-disciplinary team, foster innovation, and champion a world-class safety and quality culture. You will be the face of manufacturing for this site, interacting with executive leadership, key customers, and strategic suppliers to ensure alignment and operational success.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Site Head with a Semiconductor OEM – San Jose, CA
The VP, Manufacturing Site Head will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic direction, operational execution, and team leadership. Success in this role will be measured by improvements in key performance indicators such as safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee morale.
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Develop and execute a comprehensive manufacturing strategy for the San Jose site that aligns with corporate goals. Drive long-range capacity planning, technology roadmap integration, and capital investment strategies to support business growth and new product introductions (NPI).
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Champion a culture of continuous improvement by deploying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies. Drive initiatives to optimize production flow, reduce cycle times, improve yield, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Oversee all aspects of production, materials management, supply chain logistics, and facilities management within the site.
Financial & Performance Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the manufacturing site. Develop and manage annual operating budgets, capital expenditure (CapEx) plans, and cost-reduction programs. Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to executive leadership, ensuring all operational and financial targets are met or exceeded.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing manufacturing organization. Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment. Attract, retain, and develop top talent to build a robust leadership pipeline. Implement effective performance management and professional development programs for all site employees.
Quality & Compliance Assurance
Uphold the highest standards of product quality and reliability. Ensure all manufacturing processes and products comply with internal quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) and relevant global industry standards. Champion a ‘zero-defect’ mindset across the entire organization.
Health, Safety, & Environmental (HSE) Stewardship
Ensure the site operates in full compliance with all local, state, and federal HSE regulations. Promote a world-class safety culture, driving towards a goal of zero workplace incidents and accidents.
New Product Introduction (NPI) Collaboration
Partner closely with R&D, Engineering, and Product Management teams to ensure the seamless transition of new products from design to full-scale production. Establish robust NPI processes that prioritize design for manufacturability (DFM), cost-effectiveness, and scalability.
Stakeholder & Supply Chain Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, strategic suppliers, and customers. Collaborate effectively across functions to resolve issues, optimize the supply chain, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Site Head with a Semiconductor OEM – San Jose, CA
We are seeking a seasoned executive with a proven track record of success in leading large-scale manufacturing operations within a technologically complex industry.
Educational Background
A Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering) is required. A Master’s degree in Engineering or an MBA is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director, or VP) with significant P&L responsibility.
Industry Expertise
Direct experience in the semiconductor capital equipment (OEM) industry is strongly required. Experience in closely related industries such as complex electronics, aerospace, or medical device manufacturing may be considered.
Operational Excellence Mastery
Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification is a plus), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and other continuous improvement methodologies. A proven history of transforming manufacturing operations and achieving significant improvements in key metrics is essential.
Technical Acumen
Strong understanding of complex electromechanical assembly, precision machining, cleanroom protocols, and quality control systems relevant to the semiconductor equipment industry.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. The ability to inspire, motivate, and influence a large and diverse organization. Proven experience in change management and organizational development.
Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial principles, including budgeting, forecasting, P&L management, and capital investment analysis.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically, anticipate future trends, and develop long-term plans to ensure the site’s competitive advantage.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry and offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, RSUs) designed to reward leadership and performance.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options. Wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and comprehensive parental leave programs.
Professional Growth
A strong commitment to professional development, including tuition reimbursement, leadership training programs, and opportunities to attend industry conferences.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
How to Apply
This is a retained search exclusively managed by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative manufacturing leader with the experience and passion to drive excellence in the dynamic semiconductor industry, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and accomplishments.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for high-tech industries. To learn more about our expertise in this space, please visit the page for JRG Partners’ Industrial and Manufacturing practice. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
