📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Supplier Account Management III
🔹 Company: Applied Materials
🔹 Location: Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Yokkaichi, Japan
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Semiconductor Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: May 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with 50% travel)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing commodity strategies
- Managing supplier agreements and relationships
- Collaborating with the Product Lifecycle (PLC) process
- Supporting new supplier introductions and disengagements
- Resolving systemic supply chain issues affecting quality, cost, delivery, or lead-time
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and operational execution, with a focus on driving results through strong supplier relationships and effective problem-solving.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Aligns and implements commodity strategies to meet business objectives
✅ Manages the maintenance of agreements with suppliers, ensuring they provide the structure for all business relationships between Applied Materials and the supply base
✅ Engages with the Product Lifecycle (PLC) process to ensure alignment with the commodity strategies
✅ Engages in new supplier introduction and/or disengagement requirements to/from the Applied Materials supply base
✅ Supports resolution to systemic supply chain issues affecting quality, cost, delivery, or lead-time
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, relationship management, and issue resolution, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field
Experience: 2-5 years of experience in supplier management, supply chain, or a related role
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in supplier management or a related field
- Strong problem-solving skills and analytical mindset
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Fluency in English (Japanese language proficiency is a plus)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with supply chain software and tools
- Knowledge of the semiconductor industry
- Familiarity with the Product Lifecycle (PLC) process
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong foundation in supplier management, with a demonstrated ability to drive results and resolve complex issues.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a mid-level supplier account management role in Japan, the estimated salary range is ¥7,000,000 - ¥10,000,000 per year.
Benefits:
- Health and wellness programs
- Personal and professional growth opportunities
- Competitive benefits package (details provided upon request)
Working Hours: Full-time, with approximately 50% travel required
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. They operate in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, which is a critical component of the global electronics industry.
Company Size: Applied Materials is a large company with over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing a diverse and dynamic work environment.
Founded: 1967, in Santa Clara, California, USA
Company Description:
- Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world.
- Their innovations enable the technologies that connect and transform our world, including AI, IoT, and 5G.
- The company offers a supportive work culture that encourages learning, development, and growth.
Company Specialties:
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment
- Materials Engineering
- Flat Panel Display Manufacturing Equipment
- Global Services for the industries served
Company Website: http://www.appliedmaterials.com
ASSUMPTION: Applied Materials is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the semiconductor industry, offering opportunities for professional growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the supply chain or related fields
Reporting Structure: This role may report to a Senior Supplier Account Manager or a similar position within the supply chain or procurement department
Work Arrangement: On-site, with approximately 50% travel required
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Senior Supplier Account Manager or similar role
- Expansion into other areas of supply chain management or related fields
- Development of leadership and management skills
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the supply chain or related fields, with a focus on driving results and building strong supplier relationships.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Multiple office locations across Japan
Office Location(s): Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Yokkaichi, Japan
Geographic Context:
- Japan is a major hub for the semiconductor industry, with a strong focus on research and development
- The office locations offer a mix of urban and suburban environments, with easy access to public transportation
- Each location provides a unique cultural experience, with opportunities to explore local attractions and events
Work Schedule: Full-time, with approximately 50% travel required
ASSUMPTION: The work environment offers a mix of on-site collaboration and remote work, with opportunities to travel and build relationships with suppliers and colleagues across Japan and internationally.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the supply chain or procurement team
- Final interview with the department head or director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving skills and analytical mindset
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience in supplier management or a related field
- Alignment with company values and culture
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in supplier management or a related field
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and analytical thinking through examples
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for this role and the company
- Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the company to ask during the interview
ATS Keywords: Supplier Management, Supply Chain, Problem Solving, Strategic Planning, Relationship Management, Issue Resolution, Semiconductor Industry, Japan
ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess the candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on driving results and building strong supplier relationships.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Supply chain software and tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JDA)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard in the supply chain and procurement industries, with a focus on collaboration, communication, and data analysis.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation: We push the boundaries of science and engineering to make possible the next generations of technology
- Integrity: We conduct our business with uncompromising integrity and respect for others
- Performance: We deliver outstanding results for our customers, shareholders, and employees
Work Style:
- Collaborative: We work together to drive results and achieve our goals
- Adaptable: We embrace change and continuously improve our processes and practices
- Customer-focused: We prioritize the needs of our customers and strive to exceed their expectations
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have experience managing supplier relationships in a dynamic and fast-paced environment?
- Are you comfortable working with diverse teams and stakeholders across multiple locations?
- Do you have a proven track record of driving results and resolving complex issues?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Applied Materials' values and work style will be most successful in this role, with a focus on collaboration, adaptability, and customer focus.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a large and diverse supplier base, with varying levels of engagement and performance
- Navigating a complex and ever-changing supply chain landscape, with a focus on quality, cost, delivery, and lead-time
- Balancing strategic planning and operational execution, with a focus on driving results and building strong supplier relationships
- Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth and development, with a focus on driving results and building strong supplier relationships.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other supplier account management roles, this position offers a broader scope of responsibilities and a greater emphasis on strategic planning and issue resolution
- In the semiconductor industry, this role is critical to the success of the supply chain, with a focus on driving results and building strong supplier relationships
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior supplier account management or related positions within the supply chain or procurement departments
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and development within the supply chain or related fields, with a focus on driving results and building strong supplier relationships.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a new supplier onboarding process to improve efficiency and reduce lead-time
- Conducting a comprehensive review of the supplier base to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved performance
- Collaborating with the product lifecycle team to ensure alignment with commodity strategies and supplier capabilities
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and operational aspects of the role, with a focus on driving results and building strong supplier relationships.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the supply chain or procurement department?
- How does this role contribute to the overall success of the company and its customers?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the supply chain or procurement department, and how can this role help address them?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the supply chain or related fields?
- How does the company support work-life balance for employees in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and provides an opportunity to assess the fit between your career goals and the opportunities available.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for the interview by researching the company, the role, and the industry
- Follow up with the hiring manager or recruiter after the interview to express your interest in the role and ask any remaining questions
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
