About the Role

VAT is seeking an experienced and visionary Product Manager to join our Semiconductor division. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in the Semiconductor industry and a forward-looking perspective on challenges and opportunities in cutting-edge applications. This role encompasses full responsibility for a dedicated product portfolio, from strategy development to achieving business plan goals. You will oversee the product life cycle, including new product development, product sustainment, and phase-out processes.

We are looking for a candidate with a proven track record of addressing leading-edge technical challenges in the Semiconductor market, coupled with strong business acumen and the ability to foster customer trust and loyalty. Your ability to provide data-driven solutions to complex challenges and to translate market and customer requirements into actionable, ambitious strategies is crucial to this role.

YOUR CHALLENGES

• Support the sales team in addressing all technical and operational requirements, ensuring seamless communication with the customer (an OEM company) and effective problem resolution.
• Monitor profitability of the OEM account and derive measures in order to sustain and increase the profitability.
• Conduct and manage CIP and value engineering projects of customer products including efforts to achieve the required annual cost down targets.
• Drive the implementation of corporate strategies across a global, cross-functional, matrixed team.
• Analyze the technical roadmap of OEM to identify current and future product needs, ensuring the protection and expansion of VAT’s global market share. Monitor SEMI market developments and requirements which influence the future of semiconductor product solutions.
• Lead customization and industrialization efforts, maintaining strict adherence to technical standards. Prepare comprehensive documentation for customers, including manuals and data sheets, in compliance with European machinery directives.
• Manage changes within the supply chain, manufacturing, and assembly processes, ensuring alignment with change management protocols (e.g., CE!, CEx, and POR).
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive product innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

YOUR COMPETENCIES

• Master’s degree in sciences, engineering, or a related field, with specialization in semiconductor engineering highly preferred, PhD is advantageous.
• Additional degree in economics and / or marketing or successful track record in a commercial position is advantageous.
• Extensive experience in product and account management within matrix organizations.
• Proven success in sales and customer relationship management, particularly in B2B component settings within the Semiconductor industry.
• Solid experience in managing international customers and projects.
• Exceptional strategic, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with a strong background in business development.
• Expertise in managing advanced technology projects in complex, global environments.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in German is highly desirable.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into innovative strategies that align with business objectives.
• Strong communication skills to effectively liaise with stakeholders at all levels.
• High focus and awareness for just-in-time delivery and quality.
• Ability to work in a matrix organization.
• Know-how of Semiconductor market and the relevant processes preferable.
• Knowledge about CE! and POR process or APQP and PPA process knowledge in the automotive industry is preferred.
• Knowledge about ISO class directives for Semiconductor components.
• 15% international travel required.