Role Overview for General Manager – Semiconductor Fabrication Facility
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a global leader in the semiconductor industry to recruit a visionary and results-driven General Manager for their state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication facility. This is a premier leadership opportunity for a seasoned executive to assume full P&L responsibility and operational command of a high-volume manufacturing site. The General Manager will be the cornerstone of the facility’s success, responsible for setting the strategic direction, driving operational excellence, and fostering a culture of innovation, safety, and continuous improvement. You will lead a large, multi-disciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and operational staff, ensuring the facility meets and exceeds its targets for production, yield, quality, and cost. This role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, exceptional business acumen, and inspirational leadership. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker capable of navigating the complexities of a fast-paced, technologically advanced environment while motivating their team to achieve world-class performance. You will be the face of the facility, interacting with executive leadership, key customers, and technology partners to ensure alignment and drive long-term growth and profitability.
Key Responsibilities of General Manager – Semiconductor Fabrication Facility
As the General Manager, you will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing every facet of the fabrication plant’s operations. Your primary objective is to ensure the safe, efficient, and profitable running of the entire facility.
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive site-level strategy that aligns with corporate objectives, focusing on long-term growth, technological advancement, and market leadership.
- Provide decisive leadership for all fab operations, including wafer processing, production control, equipment engineering, process engineering, and facilities management.
- Establish, monitor, and drive key performance indicators (KPIs) across the organization, including wafer starts, cycle time, yield, scrap rate, on-time delivery, and cost per wafer.
- Champion a culture of operational excellence, implementing best practices in manufacturing to optimize workflow, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
- Oversee capital expenditure planning and execution, ensuring strategic investments in new equipment and technology to maintain a competitive edge and support future product roadmaps.
Financial & P&L Management
- Assume full P&L responsibility for the facility, including budget development, forecasting, and rigorous cost control management.
- Analyze financial performance and operational data to identify areas for cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and increased profitability.
- Prepare and present regular performance reports, financial summaries, and strategic updates to the executive leadership team.
- Ensure fiscal discipline and responsible resource allocation to maximize return on investment and achieve financial targets.
Team Development & Culture
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing senior management team, fostering a collaborative and accountable leadership environment.
- Drive talent management initiatives, including recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning to build a robust talent pipeline.
- Champion a world-class safety culture (EHS – Environmental, Health, and Safety), ensuring strict adherence to all safety protocols and regulations to maintain a zero-incident workplace.
- Cultivate a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes employee engagement, continuous learning, and professional growth.
Quality, Compliance & Customer Focus
- Uphold the highest standards of product quality, ensuring all processes and outputs meet or exceed customer specifications and industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949).
- Lead the quality organization to drive down defectivity, improve process control, and respond effectively to any customer quality issues.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for key customers, building strong relationships and ensuring the facility is responsive to their needs and future requirements.
- Ensure full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to environmental impact, workplace safety, and operations.
Requirements for the General Manager – Semiconductor Fabrication Facility
We are seeking an accomplished leader with a proven track record of success in managing large-scale semiconductor manufacturing operations. The specific qualifications and attributes we are looking for include:
Educational Background
- A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related technical field is required.
- A Master of Science (M.S.) or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline is highly preferred.
- A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a significant asset, demonstrating strong business and financial acumen.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience within the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
- At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Fab Director, Director of Operations, Plant Manager) with direct P&L responsibility for a high-volume wafer fabrication facility.
- Demonstrated experience managing large, diverse teams of 500+ employees in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
- Proven track record of driving significant improvements in yield, quality, cycle time, and cost.
- Experience with both new technology introductions (NPI) and high-volume manufacturing ramps is essential.
Technical & Leadership Competencies
- In-depth knowledge of complex semiconductor manufacturing processes, including photolithography, etch, thin films, diffusion, CMP, and metrology.
- Strong understanding of factory physics, statistical process control (SPC), and advanced process control (APC).
- Expertise in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification is a plus), and Total Quality Management (TQM).
- Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and influence at all levels of the organization.
- Strategic mindset with outstanding problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting complex information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a key member of the executive team, you can expect:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and long-term incentives (LTI) such as stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents, along with Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you build your financial future.
Paid Time Off
A generous policy for vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates to ensure a smooth transition to the Austin area.
Professional Development
Ample opportunities for continued learning, including support for attending industry conferences, executive coaching, and leadership development programs.
On-Site Amenities
Access to modern facilities that may include a fitness center, subsidized cafeteria, and collaborative workspaces.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformational leader with the experience and drive to lead a world-class semiconductor fabrication facility, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and leadership philosophy. JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for high-tech industries. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Semiconductor & Advanced Electronics Manufacturing Executive Recruiters Practice Area page. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
