Sourcing specialist

About Applied Materials 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 exciting technologies that literally connect our world, like AI and IoT. What We Offer Salary: $101,000.00 – $139,000.00 Location: Santa Clara, CA Supportive work culture that encourages learning, development and growth while driving innovative solutions for our customers. Programs and support that foster personal and professional growth and care for employees at work and beyond. Job Summary As a Category Specialist within the Global Sourcing and Procurement team, you will support sourcing initiatives, contract and supplier management with primary accountability for cost control, technical cost validation, and supplier performance governance across Tool Installation. This role requires regular on‑site engagement with stakeholders to understand business needs and priorities. Key Responsibilities Support execution of Tool Installation strategies with emphasis on cost control, value capture, and supplier performance outcomes. Maintain strong onsite stakeholder engagement across Engineering, Facilities, Finance, Legal, and BU partners. Execute rate card benchmarking and pricing analytics to support negotiations and pricing reasonableness. Lead technical and cost validation of change orders including scope alignment, pricing substantiation, and approval documentation. Manage supplier performance through scorecards, corrective actions, and continuous improvement across a large supplier base. Deliver program and process enhancements including standard scopes, unit‑price frameworks, and governance controls. Monitor market trends and cost drivers; translate insights into sourcing and governance actions. Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, confidentiality requirements, and audit‑ready documentation. Document procurement activities and support training and enablement for repeatable execution models. Maintain working proficiency in RFx leadership and sourcing execution to provide coverage across workstreams. Qualifications & Expertise Depth in strategic sourcing for construction and technical services with strong competency in pricing governance and supplier performance management. Strong understanding of execution realities in highly technical R&D environments with overlapping programs. Ability to solve first‑generation problems without established precedent. Skill in contract negotiation support and risk mitigation aligned with Finance and Legal governance. Strong analytical capability across rate structures, benchmarking, and change order substantiation. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills supporting in‑person collaboration. Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred. Seven or more years of experience in sourcing, procurement, category management, cost or pricing governance, and supplier performance management, preferably in construction or technical services. Specialization Tool Installation – cost control and value capture; rate benchmarking, change order validation, supplier performance management; program and process enhancements. Additional Information Time Type: Full time Employee Type: Assignee / Regular Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time Relocation Eligible: No 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr