Supply Chain Specialist

Company Overview

Job Description/PreferredQualifications

The Supply Chain Specialist (SCS) is a strategic role within the Supply Chain organization, responsible for driving end-to-end visibility and execution across key suppliers and their sub-tier supply chains.

This role focuses on resolving supply bottlenecks, ensuring material continuity, and supporting business ramp by working beyond direct suppliers-deep into sub-tier ecosystems. The SCS acts as an escalation owner and problem solver, complementing buyer activities by managing complex and high-risk supply scenarios.

Purpose of Role:

• Address increasing supply chain complexity and sub-tier dependencies
• Provide dedicated resources to debottleneck critical suppliers
• Improve supply assurance during ramp / constrained environments
• Enable faster issue resolution vs traditional buyer structure
• Build longer-term visibility and capability across shared sub-tier suppliers

Key Responsibilities:

1. Sub-Tier Supply Chain Management

• Track demand vs. supply across critical sub-tier suppliers (not just direct suppliers)
• Monitor supplier PO placement and fulfillment status downstream
• Validate that sub-tier suppliers have received orders, have capacity, and can deliver on time
• Develop visibility into multi-tier supply chain constraints and risks

2. Supply Bottleneck Resolution / Debottlenecking

• Identify and prioritize supply chain bottlenecks impacting key programs
• Lead cross-functional and supplier engagements to remove constraints
• Drive recovery plans for shortages, late deliveries, and capacity issues
• Focus on critical parts / constrained commodities impacting output

3. Supplier Escalation Ownership

• Act as primary escalation point for complex supplier and sub-tier issues
• Conduct deep-dive follow-ups across supplier tiers until resolution
• Coordinate escalation across suppliers, sub-suppliers, and internal stakeholders
• Ensure timely closure of high-impact supply disruptions

4. Strategic Supply Chain Coordination

• Work across assigned divisions to align supply priorities
• Identify common sub-tier suppliers and consolidation opportunities
• Support development of shared supply chain capabilities across divisions
• Contribute to longer-term strategy for cross-site / cross-business supply resilience

5. Supply Assurance & Ramp Support

• Support business ramp and demand surges by ensuring supply readiness
• Partner with planning and procurement teams to align supply commitments
• Anticipate risks and ensure proactive mitigation plans are in place
• Drive continuity planning for critical materials and components

6. Data Tracking & Visibility

• Monitor and manage key supply chain metrics:
  • Supplier commit vs. actual delivery
  • Sub-tier readiness and capacity
  • Shortage / backlog tracking
• Develop clear dashboards and reporting for leadership visibility
• Provide inputs for ORAM, management reviews, and escalation forums

7. Continuous Improvement & Capability Building

• Identify structural gaps in multi-tier supply visibility
• Implement processes to enhance tracking of sub-tier supply risks
• Support development of playbooks for supplier escalation and recovery
• Drive long-term improvements in supply chain resilience and response speed

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or supplier management
• Experience in high-mix, complex manufacturing environment (e.g., semiconductor, equipment)
• Familiarity with supplier ecosystems and multi-tier supply chains

Key Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical capability (high ambiguity environment)
• Deep supplier management and escalation handling skills
• Ability to navigate cross-functional and cross-company stakeholders
• Data-driven decision-making (Excel/Power BI / ERP tools)
• Strong communication and influence skills

We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer

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