NPC Strategic Sourcing Manager (SSM)

Applied Materials • Austin, TX

2d • $120,000 - $165,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years in Strategic Sourcing, Program Management, consulting, and/or Supply Chain, preferably in semiconductors.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a highly complex, fast-paced, corporate-level environment.
• Strategic sourcing and supply chain expertise, preferably in semiconductors.
• Proven experience leading complex sourcing programs independently in a fast-paced, corporate-level environment.
• BA/BS in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, Power Query/Power Pivot) and PowerPoint skills.
• Ability to influence without authority.
• Concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present complex topics simply and handle challenging Q&A.
• High ownership mindset: identifies gaps, proposes solutions, and drives closure.
• Bias for action with quality and compliance.
• Structured problem solving (5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean/Kaizen, standard work, process optimization).

Nice To Haves

• MS/MBA preferred.
• Hands-on commodity experience in sensors (optical, motion, temperature, pressure, and process sensors).
• Hands-on commodity experience in solid state batteries (next-generation energy storage, cell chemistry, and qualification).
• Hands-on commodity experience in PCBA (CM/EMS engagement, BoM management, component sourcing, HVM ramp).
• Experience in commodity strategy: market intelligence, supplier landscape, multi-year sourcing roadmaps.
• Experience in supplier selection and qualification: RFx, technical/commercial evaluation, CM selection for HVM readiness.
• Experience in negotiation and contracting: pricing, SOWs, T&Cs, and TCO optimization.
• Experience in CAM, should-costing, Best BoM scenarios, and cost reduction roadmap execution.
• Experience in supply chain resiliency: dual sourcing, risk mitigation, and lab qual / cut-in management.
• Experience in end-to-end program planning: scope, schedule, critical path, dependencies, milestones.
• Experience in execution rigor: operating cadence, action tracking, stakeholder readouts.
• Experience in risk & issue management: RAID logs, mitigation, escalation, decision logs.
• Experience in vendor/partner coordination and governance across internal/external teams.
• Experience in NPI to HVM ramp: supply readiness, capacity planning, ramp governance.
• Experience in Semi supply chain: lead-times, allocation, shortage management, lifecycle/obsolescence.
• Experience in supplier management: qualification, scorecards, QBRs, corrective actions.
• Experience in manufacturing & logistics fundamentals (MRP concepts, inventory, material flow).
• Experience in translating strategy into executable workstreams, KPIs, and outcomes.
• Experience in executive governance: steering committees, decision forums, status narratives.
• Experience in cross-functional alignment across engineering, sourcing, operations, finance, quality, legal.
• Experience in benefits realization: track adoption, savings, and operational impact to closure.
• Experience in quantitative analysis: business cases, sensitivities, scenarios; KPI design.

Responsibilities

• Own commodity strategy, supplier selection, cost performance, and the timely integration of CoE technology innovations into NPI programs.
• Develop commodity strategy including market intelligence, supplier landscape, and multi-year sourcing roadmaps.
• Manage supplier selection and qualification processes, including RFx, technical/commercial evaluation, and CM selection for HVM readiness.
• Lead negotiation and contracting for pricing, SOWs, T&Cs, and TCO optimization.
• Execute CAM, should-costing, Best BoM scenarios, and cost reduction roadmaps.
• Ensure supply chain resiliency through dual sourcing, risk mitigation, and lab qual / cut-in management.
• Manage end-to-end program planning, including scope, schedule, critical path, dependencies, and milestones.
• Drive execution rigor through operating cadence, action tracking, and stakeholder readouts.
• Manage risks and issues using RAID logs, mitigation strategies, escalation, and decision logs.
• Coordinate vendors and partners, and govern across internal/external teams.
• Ensure NPI to HVM ramp readiness, including supply readiness, capacity planning, and ramp governance.
• Manage semiconductor supply chain aspects such as lead-times, allocation, shortage management, and lifecycle/obsolescence.
• Oversee supplier management, including qualification, scorecards, QBRs, and corrective actions.
• Apply manufacturing & logistics fundamentals (MRP concepts, inventory, material flow).
• Translate strategy into executable workstreams, KPIs, and outcomes.
• Manage executive governance, including steering committees, decision forums, and status narratives.
• Align cross-functionally across engineering, sourcing, operations, finance, quality, and legal.
• Track benefits realization, including adoption, savings, and operational impact to closure.
• Perform quantitative analysis for business cases, sensitivities, and scenarios; design KPIs.
• Utilize advanced Excel (pivot tables, Power Query/Power Pivot) and PowerPoint for storytelling.
• Influence without authority and communicate concisely in written and verbal formats.
• Present complex topics simply and handle challenging Q&A with executive presence.
• Identify gaps, propose solutions, and drive closure with a high ownership mindset.
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean/Kaizen, standard work, and process optimization.

Benefits

• Supportive work culture that encourages learning, development, and career growth.
• Opportunities to take on challenges and drive innovative solutions.
• Empowerment to push boundaries and learn every day in a supportive leading global company.
• Programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth.
• Care for employees at work, at home, or wherever they may go.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Potential eligibility for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior