Sourcing specialist

Applied Materials•Santa Clara, CA

19h•$101,000 - $139,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Category Specialist within the Global Sourcing and Procurement team, you will support sourcing initiatives, contract and supplier management for a stable portfolio of tool installation–related suppliers and programs. This role requires regular on-site presence to engage directly with stakeholders, build strong relationships, and develop a deep understanding of their business needs and priorities. You will apply your expertise to solve complex sourcing challenges, contribute to supplier strategies, and help drive value across day-to-day highly technical, execution-heavy Tool Installation delivery in Santa Clara. This workload operates as an always-on system spanning RFx execution across GCs, trades, equipment, and specialty services, including sustained program revision cycles and ongoing supplier bench development.

Requirements

Depth in strategic sourcing for construction and technical services applied to Tool Installation ecosystems.
Strong understanding of construction execution challenges in complex technical R&D environments operating under GC-led models.
Ability to solve first-generation problems without established precedent.
Experience supporting cross-functional sourcing initiatives with frequent onsite coordination.
Skill in contract negotiation, supplier management, and specialty trade bench development.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills supporting in-person stakeholder engagement.
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
Seven or more years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or category management with emphasis on technical services, construction execution, or tool installation enabling scopes.

Nice To Haves

advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

Support execution of Tool Installation sourcing strategies for assigned services and materials, aligned with business goals and delivery timelines.
Manage strategic sourcing processes including RFI/RFP development, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contracting, with emphasis on GC-led Tool Installation and subtrade ecosystems.
Lead RFx execution for Tool Install programs including tool hook-up design, pedestal fabrication, and mechanical tool installation unit-price programs.
Drive long-lead sourcing programs and coordinate requirements across schedule, QA, delivery, and field execution interfaces.
Develop and stabilize specialty trade benches through onboarding, scope standardization, and continuity planning.
Engage onsite with Engineering, Facilities, Finance, Legal, and BU stakeholders to understand project requirements and sourcing needs.
Build and maintain supplier relationships to ensure performance, innovation, and issue resolution.
Monitor market trends, cost drivers, and supply risks affecting Tool Install capacity and delivery sequencing.
Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and confidentiality requirements.
Document sourcing activities and contribute to standard scopes, unit-price structures, and playbooks for repeatable execution.
Maintain working proficiency in cost control activities including benchmarking inputs, change order validation support, and supplier performance governance.