Sales Operations Manager

Location: 

San Jose, CA, US

Employment Type:  Permanent

About VAT Group

At VAT, we change the world with vacuum solutions. As the world’s leading supplier of high-performance vacuum valves, we have been driving innovation for more than 60 years. With over 3,200 employees worldwide, we operate from our headquarters in Haag, Switzerland, with manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania, as well as sales and service hubs around the world. We are guided by our passions integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation – always working together as #oneVAT.

Joining us means becoming part of a passionate, international team where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your career growth is supported.

 

The Sales Operations Manager is a key member of the Sales Operations team and is directly responsible for order management, inventory control, and operational execution for a major semiconductor OEM account.The ideal candidate is highly process-oriented, commercially aware, and able to act as a strong partner to Sales, Account Management, Operations, Finance, Service, and other peer functions. This role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to bring together cross-functional, matrixed teams across different levels of the organization to achieve common business goals.

 

Responsibilities:

 

  • Act as the main escalation point for all delivery, order management, and customer service topics, working closely with global VAT facilities to resolve issues quickly and pragmatically.
  • Maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity in all interactions with customers and internal stakeholders, in line with VAT’s corporate standards.
  • Implement and improve demand signal processes to ensure accurate and efficient information flow between customer dashboards and VAT ERP systems.
  • Drive reliable monthly forecasting for both discrete and consignment orders.
  • Lead and manage a diverse team of direct and shared customer service resources, including goal setting, performance management, and development planning.
  • Maintain accurate inventory records through monthly soft inventory processes and periodic physical inventory audits.
  • Define, monitor, and maintain appropriate finished goods inventory levels to support VAT KPIs while ensuring continuity of supply for a high-churn semiconductor OEM account.
  • Prepare and present executive-level presentations, reports, spreadsheets, charts, and data analyses for both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Lead projects through to successful completion within a globally matrixed organization.

 

Qualifications:

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field required; MBA preferred.
  • Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to develop complex reports, dashboards, and performance metrics.
  • Proven experience in operations, order management, and inventory management, including experience leading teams and developing direct reports.
  • Experience supporting a large, complex global account within the semiconductor industry.
  • Experience in business process engineering, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Ability to work effectively in a globally matrixed environment, perform under pressure, and adapt to changing business needs.
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

 

Compensation:

 

The expected base salary range for this position is $135,000 – $165,000 annually. In addition, this role participates in a competitive performance-based incentive plan, as well as comprehensive benefits. Final compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and overall fit.

 

Our commitment to inclusion, fairness and equal opportunities

We believe in meaningful careers, continuous learning, and equal opportunities for everyone to drive our innovation and success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. If you have concerns, our compliance channel is available at our website. All reports are handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with our Code of Conduct.


Nearest Major Market: San Jose
Nearest Secondary Market: Palo Alto