Director, Security, M6 at Applied Materials Santa Clara, CA

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 164,000 - 225,500; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials in Santa Clara, CA, seeks a Director of Security to lead global security operations across the Americas and oversee diverse teams and programs. This executive role requires strategic program development and the ability to drive regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.

You will partner with Facilities, IT, HR and Legal to implement SOPs, training and effective security awareness across sites. The position emphasizes leadership, credibility, and a proactive security mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Experience leading security programs in a corporate, government, or military setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee security operations programs across the Americas and regions.
• Lead and mentor security teams, including permanent/contract personnel.
• Develop and manage KPIs & SLAs for security programs.

Skills

Customer focus

Organization

Decision making

Communication skills

MS Office

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree preferred

Job description

Director, Security, M6 at Applied Materials – Santa Clara, CA

Scope of Position

Manage the development, oversight and execution of security operations programs and initiatives for Applied Materials at the company's sites and regions across the Americas. This role requires demonstrated leadership experience in managing, mentoring, and inspiring physical security operations teams. This role can be located in our Santa Clara or Austin facility.

Key Accountabilities

• Budget and results accountability for assigned projects, programs and initiatives
• Lead and/or support various Applied Materials' Security & Business Resiliency programs and related capabilities, Federal regulatory programs, guard force services deployment, investigations, event security, emergency preparedness, and workplace violence prevention initiatives across the Americas
• Set site security operations expectations and oversee permanent and contract security personnel regionally
• Ensure standard operating procedures exist and are implemented at all sites consistent with Applied Materials' security standards
• Develop and manage KPIs & SLAs in areas of responsibility
• Leverage internal case management system to ensure proper staffing deployment
• Work cross-functionally to develop and implement security awareness and training programs
• Other strategic initiatives / projects as needed

Leadership Skills Required

• Must have 100% credibility, objectivity, and respect across all parts of the business
• Strategic program development
• Ability to identify risk and define mitigation measures with a proactive mindset
• Build relationships with team members, peers, and business leaders
• Promote the Security function as subject matter expert within Applied Materials
• Ability to collaborate with other service functions (facilities, business units, IT, HR, Finance, Legal)
• Willingness to challenge status quo, innovate, and introduce new ideas
• Understanding of differences in standards across geographies and cultures

Professional Expertise / Knowledge

• Industry best practices and metrics defining operational performance
• Experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams around safety and business continuity program process implementation and emergency management (ICS) – preferably in a global corporation setting
• Strategic planning / program management in global security domain
• Ability to identify, analyze, and explain present or future needs for proposed security initiatives to senior leaders

Experience

• 15+ years in a similar role within a corporate, government, or military security‑related organization
• Expertise in program development and management / strategic planning & initiatives
• Involvement in ASIS international and ATAP preferred
• PSP, CPP, or similar certification preferred

Skills

• Service‑oriented/customer‑driven approach
• Excellent organizational skills, and business acumen
• Solid decision‑making and judgment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work within a matrix environment with cross‑functional collaboration

Education

• Bachelor's Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred

No. of Direct Reports

5 or less

Reporting Requirements

• Develop and manage operational metrics and KPIs with strategic vendors
• Program / project management reporting – key initiatives
• Strategic initiatives plan development

Matrix Mentoring / Support for Role

• Managing Directors / Senior Directors Facilities, EH&S, HR, Employment Law, and Employee Relations

Matrix Team

• Partner Global Security regional directors in APAC and EMEA, Global Security GSOC, PMO, Technology, Asset Protection, Investigations, Event Security, and Executive Protection; IT, Facilities, Finance, Procurement, Site Leadership, Legal, HR, Public Safety Agencies

Additional Information

• Time Type: Full time
• Employee Type: Assignee / Regular
• Travel: Yes, 20% of the Time
• Relocation Eligible: Yes

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $164,000.00 - $225,500.00 (location based at Austin, TX or Santa Clara, CA)

Other compensation may include participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable. 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.

All employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and wellness programs supporting personal and professional growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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