Manager of Security Operations

Applied Materials • Santa Clara, CA

12d • $133,500 - $183,500 • Onsite

About The Position

Applied Materials is seeking an experienced security leader with deep AI knowledge and practical hands-on experience to lead our California-based security operations program. The Senior Manager – Security Operations is responsible for the strategic development, oversight, and execution of security operations programs at Applied Materials’ Headquarters located in Santa Clara, along with surrounding sites in and around the Bay Area. This role blends deep security, safety and event management expertise with strong program management capabilities to ensure the protection of personnel, intellectual property and physical assets. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader with proven corporate security experience and the ability to collaborate across functions and drive strategic initiatives.
A core expectation of this role is the ability to apply AI tools and techniques in practical, day-to-day security operations work, from AI-assisted project management and budget modeling to automated case triage and intelligent alerting. The position partners closely with Global Security, Executive Protection, GSOC, Crisis Management, HR, Employee Relations, Legal, IT, Corporate Travel Services, Facilities, Risk Management, and executive leadership to design and maintain scalable security solutions throughout the site. It is also the responsibility of this position to drive operational plans to ensure successful execution that will translate into measurable year-over-year improvements in performance, efficiency and effectiveness.
This position is supported by the Sr. Director of Security, North America and is an onsite role, based in Santa Clara, CA. The role requires travel up to 20%.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in a corporate security related field.
• 5+ years’ experience leading multi-location organizations for a technology company.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience; relevant certifications (e.g., CTH, CPP, CPO, or similar) a plus.
• Established network of industry peers from common security disciplines, organizations, and professional associations.
• Experience developing governance processes, KPIs/KRIs, dashboards, and reporting to support program effectiveness and operational readiness.
• Strong collaboration, influencing, and partnership skills across senior leadership functions such as HR, Legal, Global Security, Employee Relations, Risk Management, and business operations teams.
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills with the ability to perform effectively during high-pressure situations.
• Deep knowledge if industry best practices and performance metrics.
• Experience in safety, business continuity, state-of-the-art asset protection systems and emergency management
• Commitment to fostering a culture of security, preparedness, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Customer-focused and service-oriented mindset.
• Excellent presentation and communication abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, AI tools and common security applications.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrates a balanced leadership style with confidence, professionalism, and a collaborative approach.
• Brings positive energy, accountability, and a strong focus on employee safety and operational resilience.
• Process-oriented with the ability to build strong working relationships across teams and business functions.
• Effective communicator who can engage and collaborate with employees, leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders at all levels.
• Self-motivated and committed to continuous improvement, operational effectiveness, and program success.
• Demonstrated good judgment, situational awareness, and effective decision-making during complex, sensitive, or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to translate security and threat information into practical guidance, risk decisions, and business-appropriate mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage security operations programs for Applied Materials locations in California, including building strong working relationships with senior level stakeholders and key business partners.
• Set expectations and oversee implementation of contract security services and physical security standards.
• Develop and manage operational metrics, KPIs, and SLAs in collaboration with cross-functional, regional and global teams.
• Utilize internal case reporting systems to optimize staffing and resource deployment.
• Design and implement security awareness and training programs in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Manage budgets and ensure accountability for assigned projects and initiatives.
• Drive strategic initiatives and contribute to broader Global Security and resiliency efforts.
• This role must be available and willing to respond to after-hour escalations and emergencies as needed.
• Engage directly and regularly with business unit leaders to represent the function and align strategies on key priorities and plans for each site.
• Create a positive, safe and secure employee experience.
• Select, develop, and evaluate security personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function.
• Challenge the status quo and drive innovations that have fundamental impacts and improvements on our ability as a function to deliver our mission at Applied Materials headquarters and surrounding sites.
• Ensure effective site/geographic area partnerships with external public agencies and key partner functions including IT, Procurement, Facilities, Finance, Legal and HR.

Benefits

• Salary + Bonus + Equity
• Comprehensive Benefits
• supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career
• programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree