Director, HR Business Partner

Applied Materials•Gloucester, MA

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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 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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.