Regional Employee Relations Specialist – APAC

Who We AreApplied 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 OfferLocation:Bundang,KORYou’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 SummaryAs part of Applied Materials’ centralized Employee Relations (ER) organization, this role partners closely with Global Employment Law (GEL), HR Business Partners (HRBPs), Ethics & Compliance, Security, and business leaders to manage employee relations matters and workplace investigations across the Asia region.This position is designed as a regional APAC Employee Relations consulting role based in Korea, supporting Korea and additional Asia countries depending on business and organizational needs. The role may provide coverage across markets including China, Taiwan and Japan as part of a centralized regional ER support model.The consultant will serve as a trusted advisor on employee performance, conduct, misconduct, investigations, and performance management matters, ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant employee treatment aligned with company values, policies, and local labor regulations.This role offers the opportunity to build deep APAC Employee Relations expertise within a highly collaborative global ER & Compliance structure, directly reporting to the Global Head of HR ER & ComplianceKey Responsibilities Employee Relations & InvestigationsManage 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 ManagementServe 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 local compliance standards and company expectations.Consultation, Partnership & CoachingProvide advice and counsel to HRBPs to support effective resolution of employee and manager issues.Deliver strategic employee relations and performance management consultation to leaders across multiple countries and functions.Act as a liaison between HR COEs, GEL, HRBPs, and non-HR partners to appropriately escalate or redirect concerns.Partner effectively across regional and global stakeholders within a highly matrixed , Metrics & Continuous ImprovementTrack, 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 organizational health.Contribute to and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance ER processes, policies, tools, and technologies across the APAC & EnablementIn partnership with GEL, provide training, technical support, and guidance to HR and managers on Employee Relations and performance management processes.Proactively assess manager and team development needs and recommend or implement appropriate training solutions and tools.Skills & CompetenciesStrong consulting, influencing, and coaching skillsDemonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and cross-functional initiatives effectivelySound judgment with the ability to assess and balance business riskStrong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive situations professionallyHigh level of integrity and discretion with the ability to maintain confidentialityCollaborative, culturally sensitive, and effective in diverse regional environmentsAbility to navigate complexity across countries, functions, and stakeholder groupsSelf-starter with the ability to work independently and drive results in a regional roleKnowledge & Experience7+ years of experience in Employee Relations, investigations, performance management, and/or HR Business Partner experienced in ER and interested in ER CoE Role.Experience supporting complex employee relations matters across multiple stakeholders and business environmentsIn-depth knowledge and practical application of labor and employment laws and regulationsSolid understanding of Employee Relations and HR compliance principlesExperience supporting regional or multi-country HR environments is preferredStrong English communication skills are requiredAdditional fluency in Mandarin Chinese, and/or Japanese is highly preferredAdditional InformationTime Type:Full timeEmployee Type:Assignee / RegularTravel:Yes, 20% of the TimeRelocation Eligible:NoApplied 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.