Regional Employee Relations Specialist – APAC

Job description

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: Bundang,KOR 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 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 & Compliance 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 local compliance standards and company expectations. Consultation, Partnership & Coaching Provide 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 organization. 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 organizational health. Contribute to and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance ER processes, policies, tools, and technologies across the APAC region. Training & Enablement In 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 & 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 with the ability to handle sensitive situations professionally High level of integrity and discretion with the ability to maintain confidentiality Collaborative, culturally sensitive, and effective in diverse regional environments Ability to navigate complexity across countries, functions, and stakeholder groups Self-starter with the ability to work independently and drive results in a regional role Knowledge & Experience 7+ 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 environments In-depth knowledge and practical application of labor and employment laws and regulations Solid understanding of Employee Relations and HR compliance principles Experience supporting regional or multi-country HR environments is preferred Strong English communication skills are required Additional fluency in Mandarin Chinese, and/or Japanese is highly preferred Additional Information Time Type: Full time Employee Type: Assignee / Regular Travel: Yes, 20% 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.