Director, Operational Excellence

Director, Operational Excellence

A global semiconductor manufacturing organization is seeking a Director of Operational Excellence to drive process standardization, manufacturing efficiency, and data‑driven operational improvements across a globally distributed footprint.

This is a hands-on, individual contributor role with high autonomy and visibility. The position works closely with a senior Operations and Analytics leadership team based outside the U.S., making it ideal for someone who excels in independent execution, cross‑cultural collaboration, and influence without authority.

The role is well-suited for a senior‑level Operational Excellence leader with a strong Industrial Engineering mindset and deep experience in semiconductor manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities:

Operational Excellence & Process Leadership

• Lead global Operational Excellence and Industrial Engineering initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and drive measurable improvements in: OEE, Cycle time, Throughput, On‑time delivery
• Establish and deploy standardized processes, tools, and methodologies across the organization.

Analytics, Modeling & Manufacturing Science

• Develop and maintain analytical models for: Capacity planning, KPI definition and performance tracking, WIP management and flow optimization
• Apply Manufacturing Science principles including: Scheduling and dispatching logic, TOC, Lean, and push/pull systems, Inventory and capacity management

Cross‑Functional Program Leadership

• Lead global, cross‑functional improvement initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Partner with manufacturing, planning, supply chain, and analytics stakeholders to align execution.
• Support benchmarking initiatives and best‑practice adoption across sites.

Global Collaboration

• Work closely with a globally distributed OpEx leadership team across time zones.
• Influence senior stakeholders through data, insights, and structured problem‑solving.
• Operate effectively in a fast‑paced, multicultural operating environment.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Extensive experience in semiconductor manufacturing environments.
• Proven background in Operational Excellence, Industrial Engineering, or Manufacturing Operations.
• Strong expertise in: Capacity and tool modeling, KPI frameworks and performance metrics, Manufacturing optimization and productivity improvement
• Highly analytical and data‑driven with strong problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and drive outcomes without direct reports.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort working with global, multicultural teams.

Role Characteristics

• Individual contributor (no direct people management)
• High autonomy and ownership
• Strategic and hands‑on balance
• Global scope with executive‑level visibility