IT Manager (Manufacturing)

Nexperia is one of the world’s leaders in essential semiconductors and aspires to become a $10b turnover business by 2030. This ambition can be achieved through our next-generation technologies, ongoing improvement in manufacturing sustainability, state-of-the-art facilities, and, most importantly, investing in our people. We are expanding our site IT Management team following a recent promotion by hiring a Factory IT Manager to lead IT-related operations in a high-volume, fast-paced semiconductor manufacturing site.
What our Factory IT Manager will do:
Nexperia Manchester employs over 1000 people across Production, Engineering, and site support services, working together to produce over 14,000 semiconductors each week. Reporting to the Head of Front-end Manufacturing IT, the Factory IT Manager will lead and manage all IT operations within the wafer fabrication facility. This includes tool interfaces, factory automation, manufacturing execution systems, and data infrastructure. As well as being responsible for ensuring 24/7 uptime of the factory IT systems, you will also drive transformation initiatives, whilst maintaining cybersecurity and compliance within the factory environment. This position offers a rare opportunity to make an impact within IT operations at one of the UK’s largest semiconductor manufacturing sites, whilst inspiring a growing team of IT professionals.
Key responsibilities will also include:
* Leading and managing all IT operations within the wafer fabrication facility, including tool interfaces, factory automation, Manufacturing Execution Systems, and Data Infrastructure
* Collaborating with Fab Operations, including Engineering and Production teams, to support production demand and optimize system uptime
* Ensuring the reliability, availability, and performance of IT systems critical to fab manufacturing processes (e.g., MES, SPC, APC, Factory Bus, SECS/GEM interfaces, Plant Maintenance)
* Managing and coordinating factory IT projects, including upgrades, migrations, new tool integration, and system improvements
* Developing and implementing IT standards, procedures, and documentation to support fab operations and industry compliance (e.g., ISO, VDA, or SEMI standards)
* Driving digital innovation and automation initiatives, including the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Predictive Maintenance, Yield Optimization, and Smart Factory Solutions, including interfacing with Robotics
* Ensuring cybersecurity best practices are enforced across all fab-connected systems
* Overseeing vendor relationships, service contracts, and Factory IT support staff or contractors on-site, including a dedicated Factory Systems Support team (CIM), Operational Technology Engineers, Data Engineers, and Web Developer
* Monitoring and reporting on system performance, availability, and incident response metrics
* Providing leadership in incident management and root cause analysis for system-related issues, while also ensuring effective change control procedures for all changes introduced to the factory (ITIL)
* Managing and leading a team of eight IT professionals with growth plans
What the Factory IT Manager will need:
Essential requirements:
* Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, related field, or relevant industrial experience
* 7+ years of IT experience in a manufacturing or semiconductor environment, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
* In-depth knowledge of factory manufacturing systems, including MES (e.g., FACTORYworks, Camstar, or proprietary), Tool Automation, SECS/GEM protocols, Plant Maintenance (Xsite), APC/SPC systems
* Experience in managing mission-critical IT infrastructure in a 24/7 operational environment
* Strong understanding of IT networking, databases (SQL, Oracle), server (Windows, Linux), storage systems, and virtualization
* Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks and regulatory compliance relevant to semiconductor manufacturing
* Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills
* Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment
* Ability to work on-site full-time with occasional travel to other sites
* Ability to work in the United Kingdom without the need for visa sponsorship
Desirable requirements:
* Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies and implementation experience
* ITIL or relevant technical certifications
* Prior experience in a Semiconductor Wafer Fab is a strong plus, but not essential
What your benefits will include:
Remuneration & Reward – Base salary of £60,000-£90,000 (DOE), Annual Incentive Plan of up to 24%, excellent contributory pension scheme of up to 9%, Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme, recognition rewards scheme, income protection, 12 x salary life assurance, long term incentive plans (DOE) and more.
Health & Wellbeing – 33 days annual leave including bank holidays, flexible benefits scheme, enhanced sick pay, on-site medical centre, virtual GP benefit, subsidised canteen, employee assistance programme, retail and entertainment reductions, and a variety of sports and social clubs.
Professional Development – Possibility for funded academic support up to PhD level, employee goal setting and development plans, huge growth potential both internally and globally within the business, opportunity to contribute and work with cutting-edge technologies.
Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability – A global commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2035, working with suppliers who embrace and comply with the Nexperia Supplier Code of Conduct, and paid time off for every employee to support charitable work.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Corporate members of Neurodiversity in Business and a Disability Confident Employer. Dedicated Employee Resource Groups for Neuroinclusion, the LGBTQ+ community, and Women in Nexperia, with a commitment to increase women in management positions to 30% by 2030.
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