Director, HR Business Partner

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:

$180,000.00 - $247,500.00

Location:

Gloucester,MA

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

As a HR Business Partner at Applied Materials, you will play a critical role in enabling our leaders and teams within the product group, manufacturing, and operations. You will influence business decisions with strong HR insights, drive capability-building programs, and support site expansion activities while ensuring a people-first experience aligned with Applied’s culture and values – Most Valued Partner, Winning Team, Responsibility & Integrity and World Class Performance.

This leader will work closely with the site management in the implementation of corporate policies related to human resources, organizational and employee development at the business unit or division level. Partners closely with the Employee Relations COE to consult with employees and managers, identify root causes of workplace issues, and resolve employee relations matters through a balanced, consistent, and systematic approach. Participates in company-wide programs and initiatives (e.g., salary review, stock renewal, workforce planning, and organizational change). Assists senior management in the development of robust solutions through organizational development, cultural and process-oriented perspectives. Will play a key role in the talent management and succession planning discussion within client organizations. Key skills and abilities include coaching, influencing, facilitation, presentation, communication, process development, analysis and proactive problem-solving.  This position will be located in Gloucster, MA partnering with our Varian Product Group, Factory, and other East Coast Divisions reporting to a Managing Director, HR for SPG. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic People Partnership

• Partner with operations, manufacturing, and engineering leaders to build and execute HR strategies aligned with Applied’s business priorities.
• Shape workforce planning, organizational design, and talent strategies to support site growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Provide business leaders with data-driven insights that enhance decision-making around talent, performance, and culture.

Talent Development & Capability Building

• Lead talent management programs including talent reviews, succession planning, performance calibration, and leadership development.
• Strengthen Applied’s talent pipeline by proactively identifying high-potential employees and supporting accelerated development pathways.
• Partner with COEs to deliver learning programs that deepen technical and leadership capabilities essential for the semiconductor environment.

Culture, Engagement & Employee Experience

• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and inclusion aligned with Applied’s Core Values.
• Drive employee listening strategies and implement action plans that enhance engagement and retention.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and managers on people matters, conflict resolution, and team development.

HR Operations, Governance & Change Management

• Ensure HR processes meet local labor law requirements while adhering to Applied’s global standards and ethical practices.
• Support organizational transformation, digitalization, and process improvement initiatives.
• Partner with HR Shared Services and COEs to deliver seamless HR operations, compensation cycles, onboarding, and compliance programs.

Strategic Advisor during Mergers and Acquisitions

• Partner with Business Development and integration teams to evaluate and align target company culture, compensation practices, organizational structures, benefits, and design to ensure a smooth and effective integration.
• Identify key talent, assess flight risks, and develop retention strategies.
• Lead post-close integration, including mapping roles, harmonizing policies, and aligning cultures. 
• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership to manage employee communication and navigate organizational change. 

Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Education

At Applied Materials, Make Possible® is about unlocking new opportunities – with our customers and within our own company.

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Psychology, or related fields.
• Minimum 10 years of HRBP experience, ideally within semiconductor, electronics, or high-tech manufacturing.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and change management skills.
• Experience in HRBP or HR M&A roles, including both pre-sign diligence and post-close integration.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence leaders at all levels.
• Experience in talent management, organizational development, coaching, and employee relations.
• High learning agility, resilience, and ability to navigate a fast-paced, matrixed global environment.
• Strong understanding of global employment laws and HR best practices.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 20% 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 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.