Employee Relations Specialist IV

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:

Tokyo,JPN

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 Applied Materials Employee Relations (ER) team, this role partners closely with Global Employment Law (GEL), HR Business Partners (HRBPs), and non‑HR functions such as Ethics & Compliance and Security. The position serves as a primary point of contact for employee performance, conduct, and misconduct matters, and is responsible for end‑to‑end Employee Relations case management and investigations to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant treatment of employees in alignment with company values and objectives.
• This role is posited as Asia level ER consultant who will support multiple countries ER cases including China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. This role will start with supporting 2 Asia countries with flexibility and career development opportunities to expand supporting scope – a true APAC level ER expertise, directly reporting to Global Head of HR ER & Compliance who is in US.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Investigations

• Manage end‑to‑end Employee Relations investigations from intake through interviews, analysis, escalation, redirection, and closure, maintaining accurate and timely documentation.
• Handle complex or escalated matters, including allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, and other serious policy concerns.
• Gather and analyze relevant data to support findings and recommendations related to repeated or serious policy violations.
• Provide guidance on investigation outcomes, including review and recommendation of corrective actions up to and including termination, consistent with company values and behaviors.

Performance & Conduct Management

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers on policy interpretation, discipline, misconduct, and performance management.
• Manage and support formal performance management processes
• Assist managers with drafting and editing performance management and disciplinary documentation.
• Partner with managers during annual review cycles to ensure alignment with LC standards.

Consultation, Partnership & Coaching

• Provide advice and counsel to HRBPs to support effective resolution of employee and manager issues.
• Deliver strategic performance management and employee relations consultation, coaching leaders at all levels of the organization.
• Act as a liaison between HR COEs, GEL, HRBPs, and non‑HR partners to appropriately escalate or redirect concerns.

Data, Metrics & Continuous Improvement

• Track, analyze, and report on ER case metrics including resolution outcomes, trends, timeliness, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify organizational trends and root‑cause issues impacting employee relations and overall organizational health.
• Contribute to and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance ER processes, policies, tools, and technologies.

Training & Enablement

• In partnership with GEL, provide training, technical support, and guidance to HR and managers on specialized ER and performance management processes.
• Proactively assess manager and team development needs and recommend or implement appropriate training solutions and tools.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong consulting, influencing, and coaching skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and cross‑functional initiatives effectively
• Sound judgment with the ability to assess and balance business risk
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to convey complex or sensitive information clearly
• High level of integrity and discretion; ability to maintain confidentiality
• Collaborative, culturally sensitive, and effective in diverse environments
• Ability to identify interdependencies and connections across systems, teams, and processes
• Self‑starter with the ability to work independently and drive results
• Languages: English is a must. Plus 1 or 2 Asia local languages among: Korean, Japanese, Chinese.

Knowledge & Experience

• We’re open for HR Business Partner professional who is experienced in ER investigation and interested in such ER COE role
• In‑depth knowledge and application of labor and employment laws and regulations
• Solid working knowledge of Employee Relations and HR compliance principles
• 7+ years of experience in employee relations and/or performance management; HR Business Partner experience preferred

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

No

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.