What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP Business Development & Partnerships - ChEmpower position at BLANKSLATE Partners?
ChEmpower Corporation is an advanced materials and specialized chemistry company headquartered in Portland, Oregon. The company develops and supplies chemically reactive pads for planarization, offering an abrasive-free alternative to traditional polishing processes. ChEmpower is dedicated to eliminating abrasives from the polish process, improving chip yields, and advancing sustainability standards within the semiconductor industry.
Backed by strong and committed investors, ChEmpower is on a sound financial footing to support its developmental, operational and commercial activities. ChEmpower is actively seeking strong and highly motivated candidates to fill up various open positions. We are specifically looking at individuals that share the passion of innovation and are unafraid of navigating unchartered waters. Out of the box thinking is a requirement as is experience in CMP (chemical mechanical planarization) for semiconductor planarization. We are especially looking for the right personality and deep technical skills that will help strengthen the existing team and help execute far and beyond.
We are seeking a visionary Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships based in Portland, Oregon to lead the company’s strategic growth initiatives in the semiconductor materials, namely CMP consumables. This executive will drive long-term revenue growth through strategic partnerships, customer development, and market expansion across key geographies and technology nodes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Growth & Business Development:
- Identify, develop, and execute new business opportunities to expand our presence in advanced CMP markets (logic, memory, foundry).
- Drive top-line growth through customer acquisition and strategic account expansion.
- Partnerships & Alliances:
- Build and manage high-impact partnerships with semiconductor fabs, OEMs, and ecosystem collaborators (e.g., toolmakers, chemical suppliers, universities).
- Structure joint development agreements, co-marketing efforts, and licensing deals to accelerate innovation and adoption.
- Customer Engagement:
- Establish executive-level relationships with key customers and partners globally, especially in Tier 1 and Tier 2 fabs.
- Collaborate with technical and product teams to align solutions with customer roadmaps and unmet needs.
- Market Intelligence & Strategy:
- Monitor and analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies in CMP and adjacent consumables.
- Recommend strategic investments or M&A opportunities to enhance product portfolio and market reach.
- Cross-functional Leadership:
- Work closely with R&D, product management, operations, and marketing teams to ensure successful commercialization of new materials.
- Influence product development priorities
Requirements
- 10 years of experience in semiconductor materials, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role focused on CMP or advanced fab consumables.
- Strong understanding of CMP processes, materials (slurries, pads, conditioners), and integration challenges at advanced nodes (5nm and below).
- Proven track record of building and scaling partnerships with global semiconductor companies.
- Deep network within the semiconductor ecosystem including foundries, IDMs, OEMs, and industry consortia.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.
- Individual with good negotiation skills, innovative marketing strategy, innovative sales strategy
- Degree in Engineering, Science, or related field; MBA preferred.
Benefits
ChEmpower offers an attractive compensation package that is highly competitive and inclusive of an attractive stock option plan. Our benefits package will include a health plan and a 401K plan. Additionally, we offer sick leave, vacation plan and holidays in conjunction to a flexible work style.
We offer relocation for candidates needing to relocate to Portland, Oregon.
What We Offer:
- Opportunity to shape the future of semiconductor manufacturing at a rapidly growing company.
- Competitive compensation, bonus, and equity package.
- Collaborative culture with a strong emphasis on innovation and partnership.
- Global exposure and travel opportunities across key semiconductor regions.