Operations Director – Strategic Finance

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to work beyond the cutting-edge, continuously pushing the boundaries of science and engineering to make possible the next generations of technology, join us to Make Possible® a Better Future. 

What We Offer

Salary:

$180,500.00 - $248,500.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

At Applied, we prioritize the well-being of you and your family and encourage you to bring your best self to work. Your happiness, health, and resiliency are at the core of our benefits and wellness programs. Our robust total rewards package makes it easier to take care of your whole self and your whole family. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits. 

You’ll also benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more about careers at Applied.

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Operations Finance to support our Applied Global Services (AGS) business unit. This role is pivotal in driving scalability programs aimed at doubling business growth, developing cost models, optimizing working capital strategies, and serving as a strategic partner to the Head of Operations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in finance within the semiconductor industry, with expertise in visualization tools, analytics, predictive modeling, and network optimization.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Partner with the Head of Planning and Inventory Operations to identify and implement strategies that support 2x business growth and operational scalability
• Develop frameworks for operational decision-making to align financial and operational goals
• Connect strategies across inventory, supply chain and logistics networks
• Will manage three direct reports

Operational Performance Optimization:

• Lead efforts to optimize inventory management, reduce excess and obsolescence (E&O) risks, and drive scrap and warranty cost reductions
• Support variance optimization initiatives, including detailed financial analysis of manufacturing and service operations

Collaboration with COE and FP&A Teams:

• Engage with FP&A and Accounting Centers of Excellence (COE) teams to provide input on operational and strategic planning processes
• Align on reporting and analysis to ensure accurate and actionable insights

Planning and Supply Chain Organization Support:

• Collaborate with planning and supply chain teams to ensure efficient resource allocation and working capital optimization
• Provide analytical support to improve forecasting accuracy and operational efficiency
• Conduct scenario analysis to support strategic supply chain decisions

Data-Driven Decision Making:

• Utilize advanced visualization tools and predictive modeling techniques to analyze data and drive actionable insights
• Enable data-driven decision-making to improve performance and achieve business goals

Network Optimization:

• Analyze and optimize the global service and supply chain network to enhance efficiency and reduce costs
• Develop strategies to improve logistics, distribution, and service delivery performance

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• An MBA or relevant advanced degree is preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operations finance, with demonstrated expertise in driving business growth and operational improvements in the semiconductor or high-tech manufacturing industry
• Proven track record in inventory management, cost modeling, and process optimization

Technical Skills:

• Expertise in operational and financial modeling, scenario planning, and variance analysis
• Proficiency with visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and ERP systems like SAP

Leadership Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams and levels
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives and operational excellence

Strategic Thinking:

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and deliver innovative solutions to complex operational challenges

Position requires understanding of Applied Materials global Standards of Business Conduct and compliance with these standards at all times. This includes demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct reflecting Applied Materials' core values.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

No

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at [email protected], or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.