Manager IV, Operations Management

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

Location:

Kawasaki,JPN

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.

Position Overview

Sigma Meltec, a subsidiary specializing in the manufacture of semiconductor photomask cleaning systems and chemical process equipment, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee end-to-end hardware production operations.

This role is responsible for managing the complete manufacturing lifecycle, from production planning through customer delivery, while collaborating closely with R&D, contract manufacturers, suppliers, logistics partners, and data verification teams. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring operational excellence, schedule adherence, quality performance, and customer satisfaction.

This position has been established as a succession role and includes an approximately one-year handover and on-the-job training (OJT) period with the current incumbent.

Key Responsibilities

1. Production Planning & Manufacturing Management

• Lead production activities across multiple contract manufacturing partners throughout Japan.
• Negotiate and manage manufacturing costs, engineering resources, production capacity, and delivery schedules.
• Develop and execute recovery plans to address production delays, quality concerns, or other operational issues.
• Oversee the complete manufacturing cycle, including design, production, testing, and evaluation activities (typically a three-month cycle).
• Create production plans based on internal resource availability and contract manufacturer capacity.
• Coordinate delivery schedules with Sales teams and end customers, including leading semiconductor device manufacturers.
• Monitor production performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

2. Supplier & Supply Chain Management

• Forecast component requirements and establish procurement and supply plans.
• Manage supplier relationships, including negotiations related to cost, delivery performance, and service levels.
• Monitor supplier quality performance and ensure appropriate corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Drive supply chain risk mitigation activities, including safety stock planning, recovery actions, 8D investigations, and CAPA programs.
• Ensure uninterrupted material availability to support production commitments.

3. Schedule Coordination & Operational Issue Resolution

• Manage internal manufacturing processes, including system evaluation, product verification, inspections, and shipment readiness.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities with:
  • Engineering & R&D for software debugging, integration testing, and design support.
  • Data Verification Teams for data collection, analysis, and validation.
  • EHS Teams to ensure inspections and compliance requirements are completed prior to shipment.
• Allocate internal resources, including personnel, workspace, and equipment, to support production plans.
• Analyze schedule deviations, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Support facility maintenance, infrastructure improvements, production floor optimization, and 5S initiatives to improve efficiency and workplace organization.

4. Operational & Team Support Activities

• Manage inventory reconciliation and oversee warehouse inbound and outbound operations.
• Coordinate component shipments from suppliers to contract manufacturers and ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare and coordinate receiving activities for equipment returned from contract manufacturing sites.
• Support daily operational activities to maintain smooth production flow and inventory accuracy.

Leadership Development & Future Management Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured one- to two-year transition period with the current manager.
• Regularly visit suppliers and manufacturing sites to develop a deep understanding of production processes and operational challenges.
• Build leadership capabilities to assume broader management responsibilities.
• Progress toward leading the entire Operations function and managing future team members.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience in Production Management, Manufacturing Operations, Operations Management, or Supply Chain Management within large equipment, machinery, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation experience, including cost, delivery, quality, and service-related discussions.
• Demonstrated project management experience involving cross-functional stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of Bill of Materials (BOM) structures and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems.
• Knowledge of logistics, warehousing, inventory control, and supply chain operations.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing costs, budgets, and payment controls.
• Ability to work effectively within a global matrix organization and collaborate across multiple functions.
• Business-level English communication skills, both written and verbal (English interview required).
• Experience leading teams, coaching employees, and driving organizational performance through effective leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing production operations for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, factory automation (FA) systems, or other industrial machinery.
• Experience coordinating activities among engineering teams, contract manufacturers, and external suppliers.
• Familiarity with semiconductor industry manufacturing processes and operational requirements.

Personal Attributes

• Willingness to travel domestically to manufacturing sites and supplier locations.
• Strong project leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Results-oriented mindset with strong planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
• Ability to balance speed, quality, and operational efficiency in a dynamic environment.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 20% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

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.