Plant Manager

Job Introduction

Who We Are

IQE is a leading global supplier of compound semiconductor wafers and advanced materials. As one of the only compound semiconductor epitaxy foundries with worldwide presence and scalable manufacturing, IQE drives technology growth. Our vision is to be the top provider of advanced semiconductor materials by delivering exceptional quality, service, and innovation, making us the first choice for customers. Our strength comes from our diverse, expert workforce and a culture built on integrity, accountability, excellence, teamwork, and valuing people.

At IQE, we are committed to reaching Net Zero and creating a sustainable future. We actively strive to reduce our carbon footprint, invest in green initiatives, and embed sustainability into everything we do. Join us in driving meaningful changes and making a lasting impact on the environment.

About the Role

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and operational excellence of the substrate manufacturing site. This role holds full accountability at the site level for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people leadership, while ensuring compliance with regulatory, customer, and corporate standards. The Plant Manager partners closely with Engineering, EHS, HR, Finance, and Global Operations to achieve business objectives and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for site operations, ensuring alignment with IQE business objectives, safety standards, and performance expectations.
• Lead and manage all site functions including manufacturing, engineering, facilities, EHS, quality, and support teams.
• Own site performance across key metrics: safety, quality, yield, delivery, cost, productivity, and employee engagement.
• Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, yield and cost improvement).
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, environmental, safety, quality, and customer requirements, including audit readiness and corrective actions.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to support process optimization, equipment readiness, and new technology introductions.
• Develop, coach, and retain a high-performing leadership team while fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with HR on workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and employee relations.
• Own site financial performance, including budgeting, cost control, forecasting, and capital planning in partnership with Finance.
• Lead change management initiatives to support growth, capacity expansion, and organizational transformation.

About you

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related technical discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in semiconductor manufacturing or advanced materials.
• Proven experience leading a manufacturing site or large production organization.
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality systems.
• Demonstrated success driving operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Why should you join us? All our employees benefit from:

• Long Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
• Professional Development and career pathways
• Market competitive base salaries reviewed bi-annually
• Comprehensive health insurance offering medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage.
• Company paid Life and Disability Insurance.
• Long service awards 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years
• Values-based recognition awards
• Employee Assistance Program (Free family, legal, financial and counselling support 24/7 Access)
• 401k Plan with company match of up to 50% on the first 6% of the employees’ contributions

IQE is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity at all levels. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Want to learn more? Contact our in-house Talent Acquisition team at TalentAcquisitionTeam@iqep.com.