Profitability Lead (B4)
- Job ID
- R2519802
- Date posted
- 12/15/2025
- Location
- Santa Clara, CA
- Category
- Finance
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:
$133,500.00 - $183,500.00Location:
Santa Clara,CAYou’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 Summary:
This position reports directly to the Front End Products (FEP) Business Unit CFO. As a key finance business partner, the candidate will anticipate internal and/or external business challenges and actively influence management with critical analysis and sound business advice. This role collaborates with various cross-functional organizations globally and requires the ability to provide solutions to complex problems. Works independently to support a complex and growing business with a diverse set of new and existing products serving high share applications to commodity type applications.
Key Responsibilities:
This is a dynamic role that will enable the candidate to own responsibilities in full P&L financial analysis and management. The position requires an individual who is eager to work across functions and levels to provide valued Finance support and consultation.
- Profitability Analysis: Perform detailed analysis of product and program profitability, including P&L components, cost structures, and margin trends. Identify drivers of gross margin performance and recommend actions to improve CPU (Cost Per Unit) and overall profitability.
- Pricing & Margin Optimization: Support pricing strategy reviews and margin governance processes. Collaborate with Pricing teams to ensure alignment between pricing actions and profitability targets.
- Forecasting & Reporting: Assist in quarterly and annual planning cycles (SR, AOP), providing variance analysis and commentary on financial performance. Develop dashboards and reporting tools to track profitability KPIs and margin improvement initiatives.
- Close/GAAP: Support accounting close and balance sheet management ensuring GAAP compliance. Drive BU SOP reviews, Inventory DIO, E&Z inventory exposure mitigation and balance sheet adequacy oversight.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Product Management to drive cost reduction initiatives and inventory optimization. Participate in Gross Margin Leadership Team (GMLT) projects and strategic cost programs.
- Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and enhance FP&A efficiency through automation and analytics. Support implementation of best practices for profitability tracking and reporting.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in FP&A or profitability analysis, ideally in semiconductor or high-tech manufacturing.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, SAP, and planning tools (e.g., Anaplan).
- Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing processes and cost drivers (Front-End, Middle-End, Back-End).
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to influence stakeholders across functions.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Key Competencies:
- Business Acumen – business/financial concepts, processes and practices for sound decisions
- Business Partnering - creating a real and active partnership with both operations and management. Provide 'real time' support and analysis to add value in decision making
- Data Analytics - data analysis tools to sort through and analyze data to identify factors impacting performance and to gain greater insight into trends
- Data Gathering/Reporting - tools, techniques and processes for gathering/reporting data for measuring business results, objectives & strategies
- Financial Forecasting & Modeling - processes, tools, and techniques for exploring and evaluating alternative financial scenarios and results
- Flexibility & Adaptability - approaches, tools, and techniques for dealing with a changing environment
- Influencing - ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization
- Initiative - self-motivation, ability and drive to seek out work and accomplish goals
- Org Change Management – effect change in an organization; ability to manage successful transition from current to desired culture, practices, structure, and environment
- Problem Solving/Critical Thinking - approaches, tools, techniques for solving problems & making sound recommendations
- Very strong Excel skills, including modeling
- Strong communication, including presentation skills
- Basic or intermediate accounting knowledge
Additional Information
Time Type:
Full timeEmployee Type:
Assignee / RegularTravel:
NoRelocation Eligible:
NoThe 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.