Strategic Sourcing Manager - IT

Who We Are

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. 

What We Offer

Salary:

$124,000.00 - $171,000.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

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. 

Strategic Sourcing Manager

Global Sourcing & Procurement (GSP) | Global Category & Sourcing 

Role Summary 

The Strategic Sourcing Manager is a senior individual contributor responsible for leading complex, high‑judgment sourcing engagements aligned to approved Category Strategies. This role converts strategy into executable sourcing wave plans, drives negotiation and commercial outcomes, and raises execution quality across the Sourcing Center of Excellence (SCoE) through coaching, playbooks, and standards. The role operates in a center‑led model that balances global strategy with regional nuance, delivering measurable value, an improved stakeholder experience, and proactive risk management. 

Mission Alignment (GSP “Definition of Winning”) 

• Value Capture: deliver holistic value (cost reduction/avoidance, speed, quality, and operational effectiveness). 

• Client Journey: deliver a seamless stakeholder experience with clear ownership, predictable cycle times, and reduced friction. 

• Risk Management: proactively identify, assess, and mitigate third‑party and supply risks within sourcing and contracting activities. 

• Optimize Capability: strengthen procurement capability through standards, coaching, and adoption of digital/AI-enabled ways of working. 

Key Responsibilities 

1) Strategic Sourcing Execution (Tiered Delivery) 

• Lead and execute Tier 2 sourcing engagements (complex/cross‑regional/repeatable) with accountability for delivery quality, leverage, and cycle time. 

• Support Tier 1 sourcing engagements by providing sourcing leadership, RFx architecture, analytics, and negotiation support within category guardrails. 

• Translate category strategy into executable sourcing wave plans and event strategies (RFIs/RFPs/RFQs, auctions, market tests, negotiation approach). 

• Drive disciplined project governance from intake through award and handoff; ensure consistent documentation and audit trail. 

2) Commercial & Negotiation Leadership 

• Develop fact‑based negotiation strategies (TCO, should‑cost, benchmarking) and lead supplier negotiations to deliver approved value outcomes. 

• Partner with Category Management on positioning, trade‑offs, and escalation decisions when supplier, value, or risk profiles change.