Position Overview
Vice President of Operations – Builds and scales the end‑to‑end operations function for a fast‑growing fabless semiconductor company that delivers AI chips, acceleration cards, and systems. The executive owns manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and delivery, turning early prototypes into reliable, high‑volume production.
This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring deep technical expertise, strong execution instincts, experience in starting and scaling large operations worldwide, and the ability to operate effectively with limited resources and aggressive timelines.
Key Responsibilities Build & Scale Operations
* Establish and scale fabless operations from early silicon through chip volume production, computing cards and systems
* Design and implement operational processes, systems, and KPIs suitable for rapid growth
* Lead NPI, qualification, ramp, and sustaining production across multiple products, customers and geographies
* Balance speed, cost, and quality in a resource‑constrained environment
Supply Chain & Manufacturing
* Own all external manufacturing: foundries, OSATs, test partners, board design houses, system design houses, contract manufacturers, logistics providers and system integrators
* Drive production planning, demand forecasting and capacity management
* Identify and mitigate supply‑chain risks early (capacity, yield, lead times, geopolitical exposure)
* Develop alternate sourcing and contingency plans as the company scales
* Define and implement a global operation and supply‑chain strategy that incorporates supply‑chain and geopolitical considerations
Foundry & Partner Leadership
* Build strategic, senior‑level relationships with foundries, OSAT, system integrators, ODM/OEM, contract manufacturers
* Negotiate contracts, pricing, capacity commitments and escalation paths
* Advocate for the company internally with partners despite early‑stage volume constraints
Quality & Yield Excellence
* Establish quality, reliability and failure‑analysis frameworks appropriate for a startup scale
* Lead yield learning, root‑cause analysis and corrective actions from first silicon onward
* Ensure customer quality requirements and certifications are met as the business grows
Cross‑Functional Execution
* Work closely with Engineering on DFM/DFT, process selection and yield improvement
* Partner with Product and Sales to align customer commitments with operational reality
* Collaborate with Finance on cost modeling, cash planning and gross‑margin improvement
Team & Culture
* Build, lead and mentor a lean, high‑impact operations and supply‑chain team
* Set a culture of ownership, urgency, transparency and continuous improvement
* Roll up sleeves when needed – no task is “too small” at this stage
Qualifications Required
* Strong background in scaling global operations in fabless semiconductor and/or OEM computing companies
* Proven experience taking products from design to volume production
* Track record of building processes and teams from the ground up
* Ability to operate effectively and quickly with ambiguity, incomplete data and tight timelines
Preferred
* Experience scaling a startup/scale‑up through rapid growth or acquisition
* Background in AI, automotive, industrial or data‑infrastructure markets
* MBA or advanced technical degree
Location
* Work from one of our Axelera AI offices (Leuven, Belgium; Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Netherlands; Zurich, Switzerland; Florence, Milan, Italy; Bristol, UK) or relocate with us to Italy or the Netherlands
What Success Looks Like (12–24 Months)
* Predictable product delivery from early customers to volume production
* Strong, trusted relationships with ODM/OEMs, foundries and OSAT partners
* Measurable improvements in product cost and time‑to‑market
* A scalable operations foundation ready for the next growth phase
What We Offer
* Opportunity to build the operations engine from the ground up
* High visibility and direct impact on company success
* Executive ownership in a company transitioning from startup to scale‑up
* Attractive compensation package, extensive employee insurances and option to receive company shares
* Open culture that supports creativity, continual innovation, collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility
Equal Opportunity Employer
At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our steadfast commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
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