VP, Plant Operations with a Semiconductor Manufacturer – San Jose, CA

Role Overview for VP, Plant Operations with a Semiconductor Manufacturer – San Jose, CA

JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized leader in the semiconductor industry to recruit a visionary and results-driven Vice President of Plant Operations. Based in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose, CA, this pivotal executive role is responsible for the entire scope of our client’s state-of-the-art wafer fabrication and manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will be a cornerstone of the executive leadership team, tasked with steering the manufacturing strategy to new heights of efficiency, quality, and scalability.

This is not merely a management position; it is a strategic leadership role that will shape the future of our client’s production capabilities. You will be entrusted with overseeing a large, complex organization, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring that our manufacturing processes are not only best-in-class but also agile enough to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the global semiconductor market. You will be responsible for translating the company’s strategic objectives into actionable operational plans, optimizing every facet of the production lifecycle from raw material intake to final product shipment. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of semiconductor manufacturing, a track record of transformative leadership, and an unwavering commitment to operational excellence. If you are an executive leader ready to make a significant impact on a thriving technology company, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.

Key Responsibilities of VP, Plant Operations with a Semiconductor Manufacturer – San Jose, CA

Strategic Leadership & Operational Planning

• Develop and execute a comprehensive manufacturing strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term growth, technology roadmap, and financial objectives.
• Serve as a key member of the executive team, providing critical operational insights and contributing to overall corporate strategy, market positioning, and major investment decisions.
• Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across all plant operations, implementing methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management (TQM) to drive efficiency and reduce waste.
• Lead long-range capacity planning, facility expansion projects, and technology integration initiatives to ensure the plant can meet future production demands and maintain a competitive edge.
• Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for all aspects of operations, including production output, cycle time, yield, on-time delivery, cost per wafer, and safety metrics.

Manufacturing & Production Excellence

• Direct all aspects of wafer fabrication, assembly, testing, and packaging operations, ensuring the highest standards of product quality, reliability, and performance.
• Implement and oversee robust process control systems to maximize yield, minimize variability, and ensure process stability across all production lines.
• Drive initiatives to reduce manufacturing cycle times and improve operational agility, enabling a faster response to customer orders and market shifts.
• Collaborate closely with the Engineering and R&D teams to facilitate the smooth transition of new products from development to high-volume manufacturing (NPI), ensuring design for manufacturability (DFM) principles are applied.
• Ensure all manufacturing activities adhere to the strictest industry protocols, including cleanroom standards and protocols for handling sensitive semiconductor materials and equipment. This involves staying current with advanced semiconductor fabrication techniques and global standards.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Uphold an uncompromising commitment to quality, overseeing the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensuring compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and other relevant industry certifications.
• Champion a world-class safety culture throughout the facility. Ensure all operations comply with Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations and corporate policies, striving for a zero-incident workplace.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and lead all internal and external audits related to operations, quality, and safety.
• Implement rigorous root cause analysis and corrective action processes to address any deviations in quality, production, or safety performance.

Financial & Resource Management

• Develop and manage the multi-million dollar plant operations budget, including capital expenditures (CapEx) for new equipment and infrastructure, and operational expenditures (OpEx) for materials, labor, and overhead.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives without compromising quality or safety, continuously seeking opportunities to optimize resource utilization, improve energy efficiency, and lower the cost of goods sold (COGS).
• Oversee supply chain and procurement functions related to manufacturing, ensuring a stable supply of high-quality raw materials, managing inventory levels effectively, and building strong relationships with key suppliers.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations management team, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and results-oriented environment.
• Establish clear goals and expectations for the entire operations organization, and implement performance management systems to ensure alignment and drive individual and team success.
• Champion talent development programs, including succession planning, technical training, and leadership coaching, to build a robust talent pipeline and ensure the long-term health of the organization.
• Promote effective communication and collaboration across all shifts, departments, and functional areas within the plant and with other corporate functions.

Requirements for the VP, Plant Operations with a Semiconductor Manufacturer – San Jose, CA

Required Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, with at least 7-10 years in a senior management role (Director level or above) within the semiconductor fabrication industry.

Technical Expertise

Deep, hands-on knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes, including photolithography, etch, deposition, CMP, and metrology. Strong understanding of process control (SPC), yield enhancement, and cleanroom protocols.

Leadership

Proven track record of leading large, multi-disciplinary teams (200+ employees) in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and develop talent at all levels.

Business Acumen

Strong financial literacy with extensive experience in budgeting, cost management, and capital planning. Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and make sound, data-driven decisions.

Continuous Improvement

Expert-level knowledge and practical application of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, with a history of leading successful continuous improvement transformations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science (M.S.) or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• Experience managing both front-end (wafer fab) and back-end (assembly and test) operations.
• Experience with new facility construction, expansion, or significant equipment upgrades and installations.
• Six Sigma Master Black Belt or Lean Expert certification.
• Experience working in a publicly-traded company and interacting with a corporate board of directors.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with employees, customers, suppliers, and executive leadership.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

Executive Compensation

A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.

Incentive Programs

A lucrative annual performance-based bonus and a significant long-term incentive plan (LTI) with stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs).

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with a Health Savings Account (HSA) and wellness programs.

Retirement Savings

A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

Paid Time Off

A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

Relocation Assistance

A comprehensive relocation package for qualified candidates moving to the San Jose area.

Professional Development

A budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and attendance at industry conferences.

On-Site Amenities

Access to on-site fitness centers, subsidized cafeterias, and other campus perks.

How to Apply

This is a retained search managed exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership accomplishments. We encourage you to apply promptly as we are actively reviewing candidates.

JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for technology and manufacturing sectors. We are dedicated to connecting exceptional leaders with transformative opportunities. To learn more about our focus and other opportunities, please visit JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing practice area page.

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.