Operations Manager

Ligentec; Renges; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

LIGENTEC in Switzerland is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead third-party FAB operations and Swiss facility management, aligning production with schedule, quality, and cost targets. You will drive procurement, vendor relations, and logistics across multinational teams, ensuring on-time delivery and continuous improvement in a cutting-edge photonics environment.

Fluent English is essential; French knowledge is a plus; this role offers high-impact ownership in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• 10+ years of proven experience in the semiconductor industry.
• Deep familiarity with foundry operations and materials.
• Successful track record managing managers in matrix environments.
• Strong vendor assessment and contract management background.
• Excellent negotiation skills with cost-saving focus.
• Experience in multinational, multi-site organizations.
• Fluent English; French language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Third-Party FAB operations with Swiss production teams.
• Optimize production scheduling, cycle time, and tool usage.
• Ensure on-time delivery targets and resolve bottlenecks.
• Manage strategic relationships with FAB partners to secure capacity and drive cost savings.
• Direct Swiss facilities and logistics, including site offices and shipping/receiving.
• Lead strategic procurement with a focus on cost savings and supplier reliability.

Skills

Semiconductor industry experience

Foundry operations knowledge

Leadership/people management

Vendor management

Negotiation skills

Global/multinational experience

Fluent English

French language

Job description

Building on our leadership in low-loss SiN photonics, LIGENTEC is expanding its technology offering to include SOI silicon photonics with pathways for heterogeneous integration. You are about to seize a unique opportunity to transition a cutting edge technology into tangible products. To accelerate our market entry and adoption of SOI technology, we are looking for an experienced and highly connected Operations Manager with a strong background in the Silicon Photonics ecosystem.

Role and Responsibilities

Third-Party FAB Operations

• Swiss Operations: Manage the Swiss production teams (front end and back end)
• Production Oversight: Manage daily operations at the third-party FAB, focusing on production scheduling, cycle time reduction, and the optimization of tool usage.
• Performance Metrics: Ensure On-Time Delivery (OTD) targets are consistently met and operational bottlenecks are mitigated.
• Partner Relations: Cultivate and manage the strategic relationship with the FAB partner, ensuring adequate production capacity while driving continuous cost savings.

Swiss Facility & Logistics Management

• Site FacilitiesOperations: Direct and maintain the CH facilities, ensuring all physical office requirements are met to support a productive work environment.
• Logistics: Oversee the end-to-end shipping and receiving of goods, ensuring smooth and efficient site logistics.

Strategic Procurement

• Purchasing Leadership: Manage all purchasing operations with a strict focus on achieving ongoing cost savings without compromising quality.
• Vendor Management: Evaluate, select, and manage suppliers to ensure reliability, compliance, and competitive pricing.

What you bring

• Industry Experience: 10+ years of proven experience in the semiconductor industry.
• Foundry Knowledge: Deep familiarity with foundry operations, specifically concerning materials and production processes.
• Leadership Skills: Proven managerial experience, including a track record of successfully managing other managers and navigating complex matrix organizations.
• Vendor Management: Strong background in supplier relations, vendor assessment, and contract management.
• Negotiation: Exceptional negotiation skills with a proven ability to drive cost-effective outcomes.
• Global Mindset: Previous experience working effectively within a multinational, multi-site corporate environment.
• Language Skills: Fluent English is an absolute must. Proficiency in French is considered a significant advantage.

What's in it for you?

At LIGENTEC, we don't just offer a job; we offer the chance to shape the future of photonics. Here is what makes this opportunity truly special:

High-Impact Ownership: You will be the linchpin bridging our cutting-edge SOI technology with global market production, seeing your strategic decisions turn into tangible market success.

A Culture of Innovation: Work alongside world-class experts in a highly dynamic, entrepreneurial, and multinational environment.

Prime Location: Based in the vibrant innovation hub of Switzerland, offering an exceptional quality of life and a collaborative work atmosphere.

Competitive Package: Enjoy attractive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ample room for professional growth as our operations scale.

LIGENTEC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.