Sr Dir, Operations

UCT; Fremont, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 176,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

UCT in Fremont, CA seeks a Senior Director of Operations to lead day-to-day operations across functions, translate strategies into actionable plans, and drive continuous improvement for productivity, quality, and cost efficiency. The role partners with cross-functional leaders to optimize performance and support growth.

The candidate will oversee budgets, strategic planning, and organizational change while mentoring managers and teams to build a high-performing culture in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field
• MBA or advanced degree preferred
• Demonstrated success leading complex operational organizations
• Experience in semiconductor/manufacturing preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across functions, ensuring objectives, efficiency, quality, and customer expectations.
• Translate corporate and operational strategies into actionable plans and measurable objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, cost reduction, and operational effectiveness.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions as necessary to achieve results.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Team development

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Financial acumen

Influence

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, or related field

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Job description

Join UCT and be part of the fastest-growing sector in the world ! We indirectly touch every semiconductor chip that goes into every smartphone, smart car, and device that uses artificial intelligence. This is a critical time for the semiconductor industry and for UCT - as technology evolves, we evolve with it. UCT is a diverse workplace where every talented employee is committed to continuous innovation, challenging the status quo and exceeding customer expectations. If you are a person with a relentless drive to succeed, a strong focus on quality with a passion for success – join us today!

UCT is looking for a talented Senior Director of Operations to join us in Fremont, CA!

The Senior Director of Operations provides leadership and oversight for operational activities across assigned business units and functional areas. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, supporting strategic initiatives, implementing company policies and procedures, and ensuring departmental goals align with organizational objectives. The Senior Director partners closely with cross-functional leaders to optimize operational performance, improve customer satisfaction, and support business growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Lead and direct day-to-day operations across assigned functions, ensuring achievement of business objectives, operational efficiency, quality standards, and customer expectations.
• Translate corporate and operational strategies into actionable plans and measurable objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, cost reduction, and operational effectiveness.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as necessary to achieve desired results.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Support the development and execution of operational strategies aligned with company goals.
• Develop and manage departmental operating plans and initiatives to meet short- and long-term business objectives.
• Partner with leadership teams to identify operational risks, opportunities, and resource requirements.
• Facilitate organizational change initiatives and drive adoption of new processes, systems, and best practices.
• Ensure alignment and accountability across teams through clear communication of goals and expectations.
• Lead, coach, develop, and performance manage managers and operational teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
• Support succession planning, talent development, and workforce planning initiatives.
• Establish performance expectations and provide ongoing feedback to drive organizational effectiveness.

Financial and Business Management

• Manage operating budgets and support capital planning activities within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Monitor operational expenses and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
• Develop business cases and recommend investments that support operational and financial objectives.
• Partner with Finance and senior leadership to analyze operational performance and achieve business targets.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Human Resources, Information Technology, and other business functions to achieve organizational goals.
• Represent Operations in cross-functional meetings and business initiatives.
• Support infrastructure, systems, and process improvements required to support growth and scalability.

Business Accountabilities

• Accountable for achieving departmental operational goals and performance objectives.
• Develop and implement processes, metrics, and management tools that improve operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business results.
• Exercise sound judgment in resolving operational challenges and balancing business priorities.
• Support organizational growth through effective execution of operational strategies and initiatives.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated success leading complex operational organizations.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and operational analysis.
• Experience driving continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of semiconductor, manufacturing, capital equipment, or related industries preferred.
• Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.

Educational/Certification Requirement:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, or related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Experience Requirement:

• 12+ years of progressive operations leadership experience within semiconductor, capital equipment, manufacturing, or a related industry.
• Demonstrated success leading multi-functional teams and operational improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting business growth, process optimization, and organizational scalability.

Management Experience:

• Minimum 5+ years leading managers and operational teams in a manufacturing or technology-driven environment.
• Proven track record of developing leaders and building high-performing teams.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work is primarily performed in an office and manufacturing environment.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and telephone for prolonged periods.
• Ability to walk manufacturing and operational areas as required.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in manufacturing environments.
• Subject to moderate noise levels and exposure to manufacturing equipment.
• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

Ultra Clean Technology is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under laws and regulations.

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $175,700.00 and $245,100.00/ year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, includingvariable pay and discretionary awardsin addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as PTO (Paid Time Off) and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these additional compensation and benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.