Regional Managing Director

About imec Qatar 

Imec Qatar is a new regional office where we drive our mission of pioneering innovative semiconductor solutions that lay the foundation for a smarter, greener, and truly AI-driven future. Specializing in advanced design tools for emerging technologies like silicon photonics and 3D integrated circuits, imec Qatar is at the forefront of chip development. And we're driving the future with intelligent solutions to  optimize infrastructure, and deep-tech innovations targeting applications for a sustainable society.

This is more than just a new office - it's the start of an exciting journey. With the launch of imec Qatar, you have the unique opportunity to join us from day one and help shape the future of semiconductor innovation in the region. Be part of the team from the very beginning! 

What you will do

As Regional Managing Director you will lead our R&D operations in Qatar and report to the imec COO in Leuven. We count on you to kick-start the Qatar team and build a strong R&D delivery mindset. In our experience, these are the essential building blocks to get started (but we are keen on hearing your ideas as well): 

• Grow and lead the imec Qatar team and translate the business plan and strategy into tangible results.  
• Co-ordinate the day-to-day operations and project execution of the imec Qatar team. 
• Invest (pro)actively in alignment with both the international imec R&D management and local Qatari stakeholders. Build rapport and manage expectations by communicating clearly and frequently. 
• Drive innovation from your state-of-the art expertise and technical vision. 
• Be accountable for local KPIs and contribute to global imec KPIs.  
• Foster an environment of creative thinking and innovative ideas to be deployed in imec’s research programs to address the industry's most pressing challenges.  
• You will be working with your peers in the senior leadership team of the imec R&D matrix and with the imec executive team to ensure strategic objectives are set and plans/resources to execute are in place.  

The ideal candidate will use their entrepreneurial mindset and successful track record in R&D to lead multi-functional teams and complex technical programs in semiconductor or microelectronics industry. 

You will be part of imec, and that means… 

You will join a world-class research center in nanotechnology at our brand-new office in Doha (Qatar). You will build a team that shapes technology that will determine the society of tomorrow. Imec is an inclusive employer with an open, multicultural, and informal working environment. We provide ample room for initiative and professional development. 

Who you are

• 10+ years of experience in a fabless, semiconductor manufacturing or R&D environment.  
• A PhD in engineering or relevant field.  
• Knowledge of energy transition technologies (carbon capture, solid state batteries, photovoltaics) is a plus.  
• 5+ years of experience successfully managing a mid-size site in an international context within the semiconductor industry. 
• Strong network in GCC public and private sectors.  
• A passion for building and managing high-level innovative teams.  
• Eager to stay up to date on the latest industry and technology developments.  
• Strategic mindset with operational execution skills.  
• Fluent in English and basic knowledge of the Arabic language. 
• Customer-focused and diplomatic.  

IMEC and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. IMEC will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (hereafter “Agency”) to have been referred by the Agency free of charge. IMEC will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have a prior written agreement with IMEC, validated by its HR department, in place regarding a specific job opening and allowing to submit resumes.