Strategic Buyer (m/w/d) - for semiconductor industry

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

Location : Heimstetten, DEU

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.

Role Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented Strategic Buyer – Mechanical Components & Assemblies to manage the procurement of high‑precision mechanical components and assemblies for both R&D projects and industrialization. This role plays a critical part in building a resilient supply chain and ensuring supplier readiness for high‑volume manufacturing (HVM).

Key Responsibilities

• Manage series and project procurement of mechanical parts with complex surface finishing requirements
• Secure holistic supply‑chain readiness for HVM by developing a robust and resilient supply‑chain ecosystem during the R&D and NPI phases of product development
• Play a pivotal role in key SCM KPI deliverables, including RFQ‑to‑Procure‑to‑Pay cycle management, On‑Time Delivery (OTD) performance, and supply‑chain financial management (costing / pricing)
• Support strategic supplier management: identifying new suppliers, qualifying, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting key performance indicators
• Take full commercial responsibility for selected suppliers after onboarding
• Negotiate framework agreements for serial deliveries and new projects in coordination with purchasing interfaces
• Develop and implement process improvements and innovative supply‑chain strategies
• Operate as a key supplier liaison, ensuring effective Supplier Relationship Management and acting as the first level of escalation
• Assist with order processing and serve as a point of contact for operational purchasing
• Collaborate with planning, logistics, and production teams to optimize operational resources

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Industrial Engineering or a technical qualification with additional training; experience in mechanical engineering is preferred
• 5+ years’ experience in strategic and operational purchasing of single parts, small series, and project‑based procurement
• Solid technical understanding of products and manufacturing processes; ideally with experience in optimizing procurement workflows
• Fluent in German and English, both written and spoken
• Proficient in working with ERP systems
• Solution‑oriented and independent working style
• Enjoys negotiating and communicates openly and purposefully
• Efficient work habits and strong self‑organization skills
• Willingness to travel occasionally

Additional Information

• Time Type: Full time
• Employee Type: Assignee / Regular
• Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time
• Relocation Eligible: No