Director, Americas Benefits

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: Austin,TX, Santa Clara,CA

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Partner with the Managing Director, Global Benefits, to develop and implement a comprehensive benefits strategy for the Americas region, ensuring alignment with global Total Rewards philosophy and local market practices.
• Influence senior leadership on benefits initiatives that support talent attraction, retention, and engagement.
• Program and Process Management: Oversee administration of health (medical, dental, vision), retirement (401(k), deferred compensation), tax advantage (HSA, FSA), risk (life, AD&D, disability) paid time off, wellness, and leave of absence programs.
• Manage annual enrollment processes and ensure accurate, timely execution of all benefits operations.
• Lead due diligence and integration of benefits-related M&A and divestiture activities.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, ACA, and other applicable laws. Manage required filings (e.g., Form 5500), plan documents, SPDs, and non-discrimination testing.
• Vendor & Budget Management: Negotiate and manage vendor relationships to optimize cost, quality, and service delivery. Monitor benefits trends and provide data-driven insights for pricing, cost forecasting, and plan design.
• Employee Experience & Communication: Drive clear, engaging communication and support strategies to educate on benefits programs. Champion wellness initiatives, including management of onsite health and fitness centers, mental health resources, and financial well-being.
• Team Leadership: Lead and develop U.S.-based team of benefits professionals, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business, or related field (master’s preferred).
• Experience: 10+ years in HR with at least 5+ years in benefits leadership and 3+ years managing teams.
• Deep expertise in U.S. benefits and retirement plans (401(k) and Deferred Compensation); experience with Canadian and Costa Rican benefits preferred but not required.
• Strong background in design, administration and compliance of health and welfare, retirement, and leave of absence programs.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking with ability to influence at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage vendor partners.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Proven vendor management and budget oversight experience.
• Ability to thrive in a global, matrixed environment and guide through ambiguity.

Preferred Experience

• High-tech industry experience.
• Multi-national benefits management exposure.

Additional Information

• Time Type: Full time
• Employee Type: Assignee / Regular
• Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time
• Relocation Eligible: No

Salary Range

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.