NPC Strategic Sourcing Manager (SSM)

Strategic Sourcing Manager

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.

We are looking for an accomplished Strategic Sourcing Manager with a strong sense of accountability to join our New Product Commercialization (NPC) Corporate Strategic Initiatives (CSI) team. The successful candidate will own commodity strategy, supplier selection, cost performance, and the timely integration of CoE technology innovations into NPI programs. Candidates should have strategic sourcing and supply chain expertise, preferably in semiconductors, and proven experience leading complex sourcing programs independently in a fast-paced, corporate-level environment.

NPC CSI Strategic Sourcing is the strategic enterprise integration layer connecting Centers of Excellence (CoE), Business Units, and Global Supply Chain. The mission is to accelerate new product commercialization through cross-functional synergies, standardized supply-chain strategy and execution, improved cost and gross margin performance, and the timely proliferation of technology innovations into NPI programs.

The SSM is a success-critical enabler for CoE innovation implementation, driving:

• Product Sourcing Strategy agile, scalable, resilient product ramp through GSC ecosystems.
• Product Cost Performance product viability and gross margin performance.
• Corporate Synergies leverage across CoE teams, BUs, and Global Supply Chain.
• Effective Implementation deploy technology innovations and cost optimization into new products.

Scope spans Supply Chain Strategy & Resiliency, Lab Qual/Cut-in Management, CM Selection & HVM Readiness, Cost Apportionment Model (CAM), Best BoM Assessment, and Cost Reduction Roadmap & Execution across MCOS.

Required Skills & Responsibilities

1. Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Management

• Commodity strategy: market intelligence, supplier landscape, multi-year sourcing roadmaps.
• Supplier selection and qualification: RFx, technical/commercial evaluation, CM selection for HVM readiness.
• Negotiation and contracting: pricing, SOWs, T&Cs, and TCO optimization.
• CAM, should-costing, Best BoM scenarios, and cost reduction roadmap execution.
• Supply chain resiliency: dual sourcing, risk mitigation, and lab qual / cut-in management.

2. Program & Project Management

• End-to-end planning: scope, schedule, critical path, dependencies, milestones.
• Execution rigor: operating cadence, action tracking, stakeholder readouts.
• Risk & issue management: RAID logs, mitigation, escalation, decision logs.
• Vendor/partner coordination and governance across internal/external teams.

3. Supply Chain & Semiconductor Domain

• NPI to HVM ramp: supply readiness, capacity planning, ramp governance.
• Semi supply chain: lead-times, allocation, shortage management, lifecycle/obsolescence.
• Supplier management: qualification, scorecards, QBRs, corrective actions.
• Manufacturing & logistics fundamentals (MRP concepts, inventory, material flow).
• Preferred Commodity Experience:
• Sensors optical, motion, temperature, pressure, and process sensors.
• Solid State Batteries next-generation energy storage, cell chemistry, and qualification.
• PCBA CM/EMS engagement, BoM management, component sourcing, HVM ramp.

4. Strategic Initiative Leadership

• Translate strategy into executable workstreams, KPIs, and outcomes.
• Executive governance: steering committees, decision forums, status narratives.
• Cross-functional alignment across engineering, sourcing, operations, finance, quality, legal.
• Benefits realization: track adoption, savings, and operational impact to closure.

5. Data, Analytics & Communication

• Quantitative analysis: business cases, sensitivities, scenarios; KPI design.
• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, Power Query/Power Pivot) and PowerPoint storytelling.
• Influence without authority; concise written and verbal communication.
• Executive presence: present complex topics simply and handle challenging Q&A.

6. Accountability & Execution Mindset

• Thrives in a highly complex, energetic, corporate-level environment with an independent work style.
• High ownership: identifies gaps, proposes solutions, and drives closure.
• Bias for action with quality and compliance; structured problem solving (5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Continuous improvement: Lean/Kaizen, standard work, and process optimization.

Preferred Commodity Experience

• Sensors optical, motion, temperature, pressure, and process sensors.
• Solid State Batteries next-generation energy storage, cell chemistry, and qualification.
• PCBA CM/EMS engagement, BoM management, component sourcing, HVM ramp.

Competency Expectations

• Interprets business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes, or services.
• Leads cross-functional teams or projects with moderate resource needs, risk, and complexity.
• Solves complex problems using sophisticated analytical thought and innovative solutions.
• Impacts customer, operational, project, or service objectives; guided by functional policies.
• Communicates difficult concepts and negotiates to align stakeholders.

• Education: BA/BS in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field; MS/MBA preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 7 years in Strategic Sourcing, Program Management, consulting, and/or Supply Chain, preferably in semiconductors.
• Preferred: Hands-on commodity experience in sensors, solid state batteries, and/or PCBA.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a highly complex, fast-paced, corporate-level environment.

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

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.

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.

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