Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology. 

What We Offer

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You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more. 

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits. 

Position Summary

The Supplier Business Manager (SBM) is responsible for driving operational excellence and supplier performance across the Advanced Materials supply base, including Ceramics, Graphite, Quartz, and related engineered materials. The role partners closely with Supplier Account Managers (SAMs), Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Business Units to ensure supplier readiness, capacity, quality, cost competitiveness, and delivery performance.

This position is designed as a development path toward a future Supplier Account Manager role, with increasing exposure to supplier strategy, qualification, commercial engagement, and supply chain risk management.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Performance & Relationship Management

• Manage day-to-day engagement with assigned suppliers and key sub-tier suppliers.
• Drive supplier performance against Quality, Cost, Delivery, Capacity, and Lead Time (QCDCL) metrics.
• Lead supplier business reviews and performance improvement initiatives.
• Act as the primary operational escalation point for supplier issues.

Supplier Development & Qualification

• Support identification, assessment, qualification, and development of new suppliers.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality teams on supplier qualification activities.
• Conduct supplier capability, capacity, and risk assessments.
• Support supplier localization and ecosystem development initiatives.

Capacity & Supply Continuity

• Lead supplier capacity readiness and recovery programs.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain, capacity, and continuity risks.
• Drive actions to improve resilience and support business growth.

Cost & Commercial Support

• Support cost reduction, productivity, and value engineering initiatives.
• Assist with supplier negotiations through market intelligence and benchmarking.
• Provide analytical support for supplier reviews and business cases.

Project & Strategy Execution

• Lead supplier-related projects aligned with commodity and sourcing strategies.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to resolve systemic supply chain challenges.
• Support execution of supplier development, qualification, and capacity expansion programs.

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Materials, Ceramics, Manufacturing, Production, or related Engineering discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in Supplier Management, Supplier Development, Sourcing, Procurement, Manufacturing, or Supply Chain.
• Experience managing supplier performance, qualification, capacity planning, and operational escalations.
• Strong project management, negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment.
• Experience with Advanced Materials, Precision Manufacturing, Semiconductor, Aerospace, or Industrial Supply Chains preferred.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and manufacturing processes.

Growth Opportunity

This role provides a structured pathway to a Supplier Account Manager (SAM) position within 1-2 years through progressive exposure to:

• Supplier and commodity strategy
• Executive supplier relationship management
• Commercial negotiations and contracting
• New supplier sourcing and qualification
• Market intelligence and risk management
• Advanced Materials supply chain leadership

A successful candidate will develop the strategic, commercial, and operational skills required to assume broader SAM responsibilities.

Additional Information

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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.