Director, Korea Account Manager – Photonics Platforms (Business Developer)

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions for chip and advanced display production. This Director-level Korea Account Manager role focuses on accelerating growth for the Photonics Platforms business, specifically augmented reality (AR) waveguide products and photonics technologies. The role involves building strategic customer relationships, leading business development, technical sales, and field marketing in Korea. Key responsibilities include negotiating agreements, driving marketing strategies, formulating customer needs into project plans, coordinating cross-functional teams, and analyzing market trends to ensure strategic and business growth.

Must Have

• Proven experience in account management, business development, or technical sales in Korea (semiconductor, optics, or photonics sectors)
• Ability to build and manage strong customer relationships
• Experience leading negotiations for JDAs, NDAs, and commercial contracts
• Skills in driving marketing strategies and revenue growth for photonics platforms
• Ability to formulate customer needs into strategic proposals and actionable project plans
• Experience coordinating and leading cross-functional teams
• Deep understanding of Korean business culture and customer engagement practices
• Skilled in managing complex negotiations and building long-term strategic partnerships
• Fluency in Korean (written and spoken)
• Fluency in English (written and spoken)

Good to Have

• Technical background in engineering, physics, optics, or materials science
• Experience representing the company at trade shows and industry forums

Perks & Benefits

• Supportive work culture
• Opportunities for learning, development, and career growth
• Competitive and comprehensive total rewards program
• Wellness programs (Employee Assistance Program, meditation, family support, travel insurance)
• Career development and mentoring programs
• Technical and professional courses
• Applied Giving program (employee donations matched by Foundation)

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

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.

Role Purpose

The Korea Account Manager will accelerate growth for Applied Materials’ rapidly expanding Photonics Platforms business by building and deepening strategic customer relationships in Korea.

Focused on augmented reality (AR) waveguide products and photonics technologies, this role serves as the primary customer interface, leading business development, technical sales, and field marketing.

Working closely with engineering and product teams, the account manager will define project scopes, manage customer engagements, and advocate for customer needs to ensure strategic and business growth

At Applied Materials, we are seeking a Korea Account Manager who will act as a business developer, collaborating with global and Korea teams to create new opportunities and drive innovation in this exciting market.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and manage strong customer relationships in Korea, identifying new opportunities and growing existing accounts.
• Lead negotiations for agreements such as JDAs, NDAs, and commercial contracts in partnership with legal and technical teams.
• Drive marketing strategies and revenue growth for photonics platforms in the Korean market.
• Formulate customer needs into clear and strategic proposals and actionable project plans.
• Coordinate and lead cross-functional teams to deliver solutions and ensure alignment across global divisions.
• Develop and implement business processes and go-to-market strategies tailored to Korea. Analyze market trends and competitors to support forecasting and product positioning.
• Represent Applied Materials at customer meetings, trade shows, and industry forums to strengthen our presence in Korea.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in account management, business development, or technical sales in Korea, ideally within the semiconductor, optics, or photonics sectors.
• Ability to manage executive-level interactions both internally at Applied Materials and with major strategic customers.
• Strong collaboration skills to work closely with Applied Korea team and U.S.-based teams.
• Excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create impactful PowerPoint presentations and keep stakeholders informed in real time.
• Deep understanding of Korean business culture and customer engagement practices.
• Skilled in managing complex negotiations and building long-term strategic partnerships.
• Technical background in engineering, physics, optics, or materials science is highly desirable.
• Fluency in Korean and English (written and spoken).
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Functional Knowledge

• Regarded as a technical expert in their field with broad knowledge across disciplines.
• Demonstrates deep understanding of photonics technologies and customer applications.

Business Expertise

• Anticipates market and regulatory trends; recommends product and service improvements.

Leadership

• Leads high-impact projects with strategic importance; defines execution strategy.

Problem Solving

• Solves complex, cross-functional problems with innovative thinking and broad business impact.

Impact

• Influences business direction and resource allocation; operates within global functional policies.

Interpersonal Skills

• Communicates complex ideas clearly; persuades senior stakeholders and builds consensus

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Assignee / Regular

Travel: Yes, 25% of the Time

Relocation Eligible: No

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.

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