NPC Strategic Sourcing Manager (SSM)

Applied Materials • Austin, TX

2d • $108,000 - $148,500 • 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.

Our Mission
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

• Strategic sourcing and supply chain expertise, preferably in semiconductors.
• Proven experience leading complex sourcing programs independently in a fast-paced, corporate-level environment.
• Ability to interpret business challenges and recommend best practices to improve products, processes, or services.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams or projects with moderate resource needs, risk, and complexity.
• Ability to solve complex problems using sophisticated analytical thought and innovative solutions.
• Ability to communicate difficult concepts and negotiate to align stakeholders.
• Quantitative analysis skills for business cases, sensitivities, and scenarios; KPI design.
• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, Power Query/Power Pivot) and PowerPoint storytelling skills.
• Ability to influence without authority; concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Executive presence: ability to present complex topics simply and handle challenging Q&A.
• Accountability and 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).
• Commitment to continuous improvement: Lean/Kaizen, standard work, and process optimization.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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, including RFx processes, technical/commercial evaluations, 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.
• Oversee risk and issue management, including RAID logs, mitigation, escalation, and decision logs.
• Coordinate and govern vendors/partners across internal and 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.
• Understand 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.
• Ensure cross-functional alignment across engineering, sourcing, operations, finance, quality, and legal.
• Track benefits realization, including adoption, savings, and operational impact to closure.

Benefits

• Supportive work culture that encourages learning, development, and career growth.
• Programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Eligibility for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed