The Asahi Kasei Group operates with a commitment of creating for tomorrow.  Our business sectors, Material, Homes, and Health Care, contribute to the development of society by anticipating the changing needs of those around the world. We look for candidates that offer a fresh perspective and a variety of skills to help us achieve our commitment.

We are currently seeking applications to fill the following job opening at Crystal IS where we are partnering with customers to make the world a healthier, safer place with UVC LEDs that support disinfection and sensing applications around the world.

Company:

Crystal IS, Inc.

Job Description:

The Director of Global Operations reports to the CEO/President of CIS and is responsible for the planning and execution of UVC LED manufacturing, from substrate through device testing and reliability. This role is responsible for providing leadership, vision, & strategy to achieve Operational Excellence across the global manufacturing process.  This includes setting and implementing strategies that drive overall improvements in culture, product quality, processes, and profitability by reducing waste throughout the business. 

Crystal IS Location: Green Island, NY

Benefits

• Full range of health benefits
• Paid time off
• Paid company holidays
• 8% company match on 401(k) contributions
• Paid parental leave

Job Tasks

• Own the overall strategic planning for UCV LED production across global sites, including crystal growth runs, surface fabrication, MOCVD runs, FEOL lot starts, BEOL, Packaging, and final testing, aligned with the company’s strategic commercial goals.
• Own operational functions at GI site (supply chain, F&E, Substrate Production, Logistics, and Engineering) and global KPIs (variable cost, step yield, lead-time, WIP and inventory) for substrate fabrication and UVC LED production.
• Coordinate and lead the LED fabrication operations across global sites (GI, AKM, and outsourced operations) to drive yield and productivity improvements, ensure optimal lead-time, and manage finished goods inventory levels aligned with the company’s financial and commercial objectives
• Drive key communications across global teams to ensure operational excellence and effective execution of the epi-ready AlN substrate production at GI facility and UVC LED fabrication at AKM
• Build understanding and drive implementation of industry’s best practices in AlN substrate and UVC LED fabrication to ensure cost-effective, high-quality products
• Oversee implementation of supply agreements for UVC LED outsourced production operations and ensure vendor’s lead-time, cost and quality KPIs are met. 
• Build a team culture of trust and operational excellence via inclusive leadership and proactive team communication
• Provide coaching for department managers and engineers via inclusive leadership, nurturing an environment where diverse range of ideas and opinions are valued
• Develops short to mid-term plans for optimizing the organization, function, and sub-function, including talent required to execute strategies
• Enforce and model appropriate safety strategies to achieve annual and mid-term goals
• Manage teams while providing recognition and coaching to team members
• Accountability for root cause investigations and improvements for operational and business processes
• Ensure effective monitoring and processes controls are in place to achieve the highest quality products as well as ensuring appropriate corrective actions are implemented
• Design/refine the organizational structure to achieve key operational targets in safety, production, quality, cost, and growth.
• Ensure compliance with governmental safety and environmental regulations as well as key quality and environmental certifications
• Ensure effective recruiting, training/development and retention of talent for key operational roles

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Licensures, and Certifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or other related field, and an MBA or Masters in a related field is preferred 
• 10+ years of semiconductor manufacturing experience, 5+ years managing multiple sites
• Strong planning, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects and competing priorities 
• Demonstrated participative leader that fosters teamwork and achieves results through others 

Skills

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate the company’s goals and plans
• Strong influencing skills necessary to implement work processes across departments within direct control as well as other departments supported by operations.
• Strong negotiating skills
• Ability to break down complex problems and develop systematic improvements

Work Environment / Physical Demands / Travel

• Ability to travel as necessary, including International, around 20% of the time
• Sit, Walk, Stand for extended periods

The base compensation range for this role is $140,000-$180,000. Base Compensation is influenced by many factors including, but not limited to: time in the role, previous experience, skills, knowledge, performance, work requirements, internal equity, and business / economic conditions. 

About Crystal IS, Inc.

Crystal IS, an Asahi Kasei company, is the leader in aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates and UVC LEDs. Crystal IS’ AlN-based UVC LEDs deliver better performance in the ideal germicidal range from 260 – 270 nm to enable sustainable, mercury-free disinfection of water, air and surfaces to ensure healthy life and living around the world. In 2023, Crystal IS reported the world’s first 100 mm diameter single-crystal AIN substrate and is exploring new market applications for the material. 

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As an equal opportunity employer, Asahi Kasei believes a diverse workforce will provide us with the ability to continuously support the changes in the economy, society, and environment.