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SEMEfab story

Semefab, located in Glenrothes, Scotland, is a key player in the semiconductor industry, specialising in the manufacture of Semiconductors and Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS).


Founded in 1986 by Allan James, Semefab has grown from a small startup into a significant Silicon wafer foundry operation. The company operates a volume foundry business model alongside a technology commercialisation approach, allowing it to support customers from development through to volume production. Semefab's expertise spans a wide range of technologies, including MEMS sensors, CMOS, Bipolar, Opto-CMOS, ASICs, and discrete semiconductor devices, serving markets like security, automotive, medical, and industrial sectors. With over 88 employees, Semefab not only provides fabrication services but also operates its own test facilities, ensuring high-quality output with a focus on process development and optimisation. The company has expanded its capabilities over the years, notably through the acquisition of adjacent properties for growth and has been recognised for its contributions to STEM education with awards like the Dr John Bruce Memorial Awards for students excelling in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in local schools. Semefab's commitment to innovation, quality, and community engagement makes it a cornerstone of the UK's micro and nano technology network.


THE ROLE

CHIEF financial officer

Job Type:

Permanent

Location:

Glenrothes, Fife

Due to the planned retirement of the current CFO in March 2025, The role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Semefab has arisen.


This is a strategic leadership role with a hands-on approach, responsible for driving efficiency and ROI across all business areas, including sales, production, and engineering. You will oversee a team of four, ensuring growth and support for finance and procurement leaders while collaborating with the Executive and Operational Board to build strategies that enhance performance and profitability. Key responsibilities include managing regulatory and legal compliance, leading external relationships with banks, auditors, and government bodies, and driving M&A activity, investments, and transactions.


Key Responsibilities:


Strategic Oversight:

  • Join the leadership team to work closely with the CEO on developing expansion strategies and ensuring maximum profitability.
  • Build an ambitious strategy with the Executive and Operational Board to drive company performance and profitability.

Operational Management:

  • Oversee a team of approximately four personnel, managing both finance and procurement, ensuring development within these functions.
  • Commercially challenge all areas of the company, including sales, production, and engineering, to optimize efficiency and sales efforts.

Financial Operations:

  • Oversee all financial operations, including managing cash flow and liquidity to meet operational needs, including foreign exchange risk.
  • Deliver financial performance in alignment with strategic plans.
  • Own budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring they support strategic objectives.

Regulatory and Legal Compliance:

  • Act as the first line for all regulatory and legal requirements, working with advisors as needed.
  • Ensure full statutory and regulatory compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Lead on external relationships with banks, audit firms, and various government bodies.
  • Prepare and present financial information for development grants and work closely with external partners like Forvis Mazars on R&D tax claims and EII Exemption Relief Scheme applications.

Investment and Growth:

  • Be the key leader in any M&A activity, future investment, or transaction of the business.
  • Constantly seek opportunities to increase revenue and business growth, partnering key stakeholders for CAPEX projects.

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

  • Ownership of reporting on performance against strategic objectives.
  • Manage the company's balance sheet.
  • Provide challenge and insight into monthly management accounting and budgeting/forecasting processes.
  • Manage the annual audit, preparing corporation tax computations and statutory accounts in line with IFRS.

Leadership and Team Development:

  • Support and develop the Head of Finance and Head of Procurement, ensuring their functions are robust and aligned with company goals.

Requirements & remuneration

  • Fully qualified accountant (UK or equivalent ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
  • Experience in delivering on a financial growth strategy.
  • Strong experience in manufacturing environments
  • Strong financial acumen, analytical, technical, and cashflow management skills.
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills to challenge business decisions when necessary.
  • Experience in M&A activities (desirable)

The ideal candidate for this role will be an experienced and commercially astute finance leader with a proven track record of driving operational efficiency and delivering strong returns on investment. They should possess a strategic mindset, combined with a hands-on approach, and the ability to challenge and optimise key business areas such as sales, production, and engineering. The successful candidate requires  to have an assertive approach ensuring a strong focus on cashflows, efficiencies, cost savings, and fostering robust supplier relationships. Strong leadership skills are essential, with the ability to empower and entrust teams with autonomy in their roles, creating a people-oriented culture that values collaboration and mutual respect.


A successful candidate will be adept at building working relationships with all key members of the leadership team and will be seen as the business custodian, upholding the highest levels of integrity. They must be well-versed in regulatory and legal compliance, adept at managing external relationships with financial institutions, auditors, customers and government bodies, and have significant experience leading mergers and acquisitions, investments, or large-scale transactions. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and strategic planning abilities are critical for success in this role.


Salary:


  • £Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Benefits: 


  • Hybrid working
  • 2x salary death in service
  • Private medical cover
  • Permanent health insurance- if off sick long term it pays 75% salary for 5 years followed by a lump sum payment equal to 1 years salary
  • Holidays: 32 days annual leave (rising to 34 after 5 years and 35 after 10 years) including public holidays

Location

Glenrothes, Fife

Eastfield Industrial Estate, Newark Rd S, Glenrothes KY7 4NS

Your consultant

Daryl Harper - Recruitment Partner


Amplifi Talent is partnered with Semefab Ltd as retained advisors for this appointment.


For more information, please contact Daryl Harper for a confidential discussion: 


13 years+ experience recruiting high calibre finance professionals for some of Scotland’s best known businesses from large corporations to privately owned household names. Daryl prides himself on identifying and attracting top talent for his clients through his extensive network and has a solid track record of delivery across Scotland.



dharper@amplifi-talent.com 07534 440221
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