Program Manager – Central 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. 

What We Offer

Salary:

$101,000.00 - $139,000.00

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. 

Role Overview

Central Operations is the operating engine (“CPU”) of the group—driving a disciplined operating rhythm, trusted data, and integrated execution across global teams. This non‑technical Program/Project Manager role owns the end‑to‑end business cadence, executive reporting, and analytics storytelling, converting large volumes of data into clear, decision‑ready insights with minimal guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the Operating Rhythm: Lead weekly, monthly, and quarterly business cadence, forums, and follow‑ups to ensure visibility, accountability, and consistent execution across iTeam.
• Operating Calendar (System of Record): Maintain and govern a centralized, live operating calendar anchoring key iTeam, AGS, and Field milestones; ensure adherence and readiness.
• Executive KPI & Scorecard Reporting: Deliver a single, standardized executive view with clear thresholds, trends, risks, and required actions; ensure on‑time, high‑quality delivery.
• Analytics & Actionable Insights: Analyze high‑volume operational data to surface insights, root causes, and recommendations that drive decisions at leadership forums.
• Executive Storytelling: Create crisp, executive‑ready PowerPoint decks that synthesize complex data into a tight narrative with clear takeaways and “help needed.”
• Cross‑Functional Coordination: Partner with Finance, HR, and other stakeholders to align inputs, unblock issues, and drive outcomes across a global, matrixed organization.
• Program & Process Integration: Coordinate initiatives that improve predictability and scalability (standard work, KPI harmonization, reporting automation, process discipline).
• Data Governance & Change Control: Support governance routines and change control to strengthen confidence in data, metrics, and operating processes.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in program/project management (non‑technical) in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated success running operating cadence / business rhythm with strong follow‑through.
• Excellent coordination and execution skills; ability to operate independently with minimal guidance.
• Advanced PowerPoint skills with proven experience creating executive‑grade decks from large datasets.
• Strong analytics mindset—ability to interpret metrics, identify trends, and translate data into actions.
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication; ability to influence without authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting executive KPI reviews, scorecards, or business reviews.
• Exposure to data governance, KPI standardization, or reporting automation.
• Experience working with global teams across regions and time zones.

Success Measures

• A predictable, disciplined operating rhythm with clear ownership and on‑time deliverables.
• Consistent, decision‑oriented executive reporting that reduces time spent reconciling data.
• Increased leadership confidence in insights, faster decisions, and improved operational alignment.

Summary: This role is ideal for a highly organized, exceptionally good with executive presentations and data storytelling, analytically strong program manager who thrives at the intersection of operations, data, and executive communication—turning complexity into clarity and action.

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 Accommodations_Program@amat.com, 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.