Employee Relations Specialist

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

As part of a centralized Employee Relations (ER) Center of Excellence, this role serves as a trusted advisor to business leaders, HR Business Partners, Global Employment Law (GEL), and cross-functional stakeholders on complex employee relations matters. The position is responsible for independently leading workplace investigations, performance and conduct management cases, and employee risk mitigation efforts while ensuring compliance with employment laws, company policies, and organizational values.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in employee relations investigations, performance management, stakeholder consultation, and labor law compliance within a multinational environment. This individual must be comfortable navigating sensitive and high-risk situations, influencing senior leaders, and balancing employee, legal, and business considerations.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Investigations

• Lead end-to-end employee relations investigations from intake through fact-finding, interviews, evidence analysis, findings, recommendations, and case closure.
• Handle complex and sensitive matters, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace misconduct, conflicts of interest, ethics concerns, and policy violations.
• Conduct independent investigations and prepare clear, objective, and well-documented investigation reports and recommendations.
• Partner closely with Global Employment Law, Ethics & Compliance, Security, and HR stakeholders on high-risk or escalated employee matters.
• Assess legal, reputational, operational, and employee-related risks and provide recommendations to support informed decision-making.

Performance & Conduct Management

• Serve as a subject matter expert on employee performance, conduct, disciplinary actions, and involuntary separations.
• Advise and coach managers on difficult employee situations, including performance improvement plans (PIPs), misconduct investigations, corrective actions, and terminations.
• Ensure consistent and legally compliant application of policies and employment practices across employee populations.
• Support leaders in managing complex performance and behavior-related concerns while balancing business objectives and employee experience.

Consultation, Partnership & Coaching

• Act as a trusted advisor to HRBPs and business leaders on employee relations strategy, risk management, and workplace conflict resolution.
• Influence and coach leaders at all organizational levels through complex and sensitive employee situations.
• Partner effectively with HR Centers of Excellence, Legal, Compliance, Security, and regional HR teams to drive consistent employee relations practices.
• Foster productive relationships across diverse cultures and stakeholder groups within a matrixed global organization.

Global Collaboration & Compliance

• Support employee relations matters involving regional and global stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.
• Interpret and apply employment laws, regulations, and company policies to ensure compliant business practices.
• Prepare professional reports, business communications, and case summaries for regional and global leadership audiences.
• Monitor external labor and employment trends and recommend proactive risk mitigation strategies.

Data, Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• Track and analyze ER case metrics, trends, root causes, and organizational risks.
• Identify opportunities to improve employee relations processes, policies, governance, and manager effectiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance investigation quality, case management, and employee experience.

Training & Enablement

• Develop and deliver training programs for managers, HR teams, and stakeholders on employee relations, investigations, performance management, and workplace conduct.
• Build organizational capability in managing employee issues proactively and consistently.
• Partner with GEL and HR stakeholders to enhance ER-related tools, resources, and manager readiness.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced workplace investigation and fact-finding skills.
• Strong expertise in employee relations, performance management, and conduct management.
• Exceptional consulting, influencing, stakeholder management, and coaching capabilities.
• Sound judgment and demonstrated ability to balance legal, employee, and business risks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare investigation reports and executive-level recommendations.
• Ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Executive presence with the ability to influence leaders in complex and ambiguous situations.
• Collaborative, culturally agile, and effective in multinational and matrixed environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify patterns, root causes, and organizational risks.
• Demonstrated learning agility, resilience, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Knowledge & Experience

Required

• 7+ years of Employee Relations, Labor Relations, Workplace Investigations, Employment Law, or related HR experience.
• Demonstrated experience independently conducting complex workplace investigations.
• Strong experience supporting performance management, disciplinary actions, misconduct cases, and involuntary separations.
• Experience partnering with Legal, Compliance, HR, and business leaders on high-risk employee matters.
• Strong knowledge of labor and employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
• Experience working in a multinational corporation or complex matrix organization.
• Professional level English communication and business writing skills.

Preferred

• Experience supporting Greater China operations, including knowledge of both Taiwan and China labor regulations.
• Semiconductor, technology, manufacturing, or other fast-paced multinational industry experience.
• Experience working with regional or global employee relations programs.
• Background in Employment Law, Labor Relations, Compliance, Workplace Investigations, or ER Center of Excellence structures.

Success Profile

The successful candidate is a seasoned Employee Relations professional who can independently lead complex investigations, navigate sensitive employee issues, influence senior leaders, and provide practical business-focused solutions while maintaining the highest standards of fairness, compliance, and integrity.

Additional Information

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Relocation Eligible:

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.