Senior Director, Operations

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a 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 push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

Salary: $ - $

Location:

Tempe, AZ

We’ll benefit you with a supportive work culture that encourages learning, development, and career growth 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 leading global company.

• Provide executive leadership across advanced manufacturing operations and production facilities.
• Own end‑to‑end manufacturing performance, including safety, quality, delivery, inventory management, cost, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead operational transformation through automation, digital manufacturing, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence applications, and smart factory initiatives.
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that support business growth, capacity expansion, and future technology roadmaps.
• Lead supplier quality management, material qualification programs, and process control systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, throughput optimization, yield improvement, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Develop organizational capability through leadership development, coaching, succession planning, and talent management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Partner cross‑functionally with engineering, supply chain, sales, and product teams to drive business objectives and customer success.

• 15+ years of manufacturing leadership experience within advanced manufacturing, engineered materials, industrial technology, precision manufacturing, or related industries.
• Demonstrated expertise in complex manufacturing environments involving highly controlled processes, quality systems, and operational excellence disciplines.
• Experience leading multi‑step production, processing, assembly, inspection, and quality assurance operations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing process optimization, material performance characteristics, quality control, and production scalability.
• Experience implementing automation, digital transformation, data‑driven decision‑making, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Proven track record of improving operational performance, productivity, quality, and customer outcomes.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Master's degree and/or MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• 8+ years leading large‑scale, multi‑site, or highly complex manufacturing organizations.
• Demonstrated success driving operational transformation, capacity expansion, automation deployment, and business growth.
• Strong financial, operational, and strategic leadership capabilities.

• Time Type:
  Full time
• Employee Type:
  Assignee / Regular
• Travel:
  Yes, 25% of the Time
• Relocation Eligible:
  Yes

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. Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users.