Operations Strategy Program Manager

Applied Materials; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials is seeking a proactive Operations Strategy Program Manager to drive strategic planning cycles, operating rhythm, and cross‑functional programs. You will partner with Business Unit and Functional leaders to structure ambiguous problems and deliver actionable insights.

The role requires strong program management discipline, a business-outcome mindset, and ownership of initiatives with minimal oversight. Travel up to 10% is expected.

Qualifications

• Ability to structure ambiguous problems and drive cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience in strategy, operations, or program management in a related field.
• Knowledge of business strategy and strategic planning frameworks.
• Familiarity with data analysis/visualization tools like Excel or Tableau.
• Understanding of the semiconductor industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead SPG Operations’ strategic planning cycles and annual operating rhythm with leadership partners.
• Structure and lead multi-disciplinary, cross-functional programs spanning Business Units, Functions, and Corporate Strategy.
• Develop and maintain planning frameworks, tools, and templates for strategic planning and program management.
• Analyze business, market, and operational trends to generate insights for executives.
• Prepare executive-ready presentations and reports with clear narratives and visuals.
• Lead or support digital transformation and process-improvement initiatives.

Skills

Program management

Analytical thinking

Communication (PowerPoint/Excel)

Cross-functional influence

Ownership & proactive

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Engineering/related field

MBA preferred

Tools

Excel

Tableau

Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next‑generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next‑generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.

What We Offer

Salary: $133,500.00 - $183,500.00

Location: Santa Clara,CA

You’ll 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.

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. 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.

General Profile

We are seeking a proactive, analytical, and highly organized Operations Strategy Program Manager to drive strategic planning cycles, operating rhythm, and operations programs. This individual will partner closely with Business Unit and Functional leaders to structure ambiguous problems, drive cross‑functional initiatives to closure, and deliver insights that inform decisions.

The ideal candidate combines strong program management discipline with a strategic, business‑outcome mindset, and can take ownership of initiatives with minimal oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Program manage SPG Operations’ strategic planning cycles and annual operating rhythm (e.g., AOP, quarterly business reviews, strategy reviews), partnering with Business Unit and Functional leaders to drive execution, track strategic issues to closure, and proactively flag risks.
• Structure and lead multi‑disciplinary, cross‑functional programs spanning Business Units, Functions, and Corporate Strategy, building alignment across a broad set of stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain planning frameworks, tools, and templates that improve the quality and consistency of strategic planning and program management processes.
• Analyze business, market, and operational trends to generate insights and recommendations that support executive decision‑making.
• Prepare and deliver executive‑ready presentations and reports with clear, logical narratives and visuals covering issues, options, tradeoffs, and recommended actions.
• Lead or support digital transformation and process‑improvement initiatives that streamline strategic planning, reporting, and operations management.

Skills/Qualifications

• Strong program/project management skills; able to create structure, drive execution to timeline, and manage multiple initiatives and competing priorities with minimal direction.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; able to work through ambiguous, complex problems with limited or imperfect information and drive them to resolution.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including high proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel; able to communicate effectively at all levels, including with executives.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills; able to build credibility and drive alignment across a broad, cross‑functional set of stakeholders.
• Proactive, self‑driven, and detail‑oriented, with a strong sense of ownership over projects and initiatives.
• Knowledge of business strategy and strategic planning frameworks, with familiarity with data analysis/visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau); understanding of the semiconductor industry and Applied Materials products is a plus.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related technical/business field required; MBA preferred.
• Experience: Experience in strategy, operations, program management, or a related field; semiconductor industry experience is a plus.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

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 [e-mail], 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.