Commodity Business Manager (CBM) - HR & Learning

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

Salary:
$108,000.00 - $148,500.00

Location:
Austin,TX

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.

Summary

The Commodity Business Manager (CBM) - HR & Learning is responsible for leading strategic sourcing, supplier management, and commercial execution for enterprise-wide Human Resources, Learning & Development, Talent, and Workforce-related services. The CBM partners closely with HR, Global Rewards, Learning, Talent Acquisition, Finance, Legal, and key business stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with organizational priorities, manage risk, and deliver measurable value across cost, quality, innovation, and service performance.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Stakeholder Partnership

• Develops, aligns, and executes commodity strategies for HR and Learning & Development-related services, including (but not limited to): learning content and platforms, leadership development, rewards, benefits administration services, coaching, talent assessment, and HR technology services.
• Acts as a trusted advisor to HR, Global Rewards, Health & Benefits, Learning, Talent Acquisition, and business leaders by deeply understanding functional needs and translating them into effective sourcing and commercial strategies.
• Partners with Finance and Legal to ensure alignment on budgets, cost models, contractual terms, and compliance requirements.

• Leads end-to-end sourcing activities including market analysis, RFx development, supplier evaluation, negotiations, award recommendations, and contract execution for HR and Learning services.
• Develops and negotiates commercial frameworks that optimize total cost of ownership, scalability, flexibility, and service quality.
• Drives supplier consolidation, standardization, and demand management opportunities where appropriate.

• Establishes and maintains strong, collaborative relationships with strategic and preferred suppliers across HR and Learning categories.
• Defines and manages supplier performance metrics, including SLAs and KPIs, to ensure service excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Leads supplier governance routines, performance reviews, and corrective action plans where required.

• Analyzes spend, contract coverage, savings, supplier performance, and market trends to inform decision-making and strategy refinement.
• Identifies and mitigates supply, operational, compliance, and reputational risks associated with HR and Learning vendors.
• Proactively identifies opportunities to improve service quality, employee experience, delivery efficiency, and cost outcomes.

• Demonstrates depth and/or breadth of expertise in own specialized discipline or field

• Interprets internal/external business challenges and recommends best practices to improve products, processes or services

• May lead functional teams or projects with moderate resource requirements, risk, and/or complexity

• Leads others to solve complex problems; uses sophisticated analytical thought to exercise judgment and identify innovative solutions

• Impacts the achievement of customer, operational, project or service objectives; work is guided by functional policies

• Communicates difficult concepts and negotiates with others to adopt a different point of view

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Finance, or equivalent.
• 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supplier management, or category management, with recognized expertise in HR Services and Learning & Development required, exposure to other professional and consulting services strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading RFx events, negotiations, and complex supplier engagements.
• Strong analytical, financial, and contract management skills.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across cross‑functional teams and senior stakeholders.

• Experience managing HR Services, Health & Benefits, Learning & Development and Talent Acquisition categories in a global or matrixed organization.
• Consulting and other Professional Services category experience.
• Familiarity with HR technology ecosystems, learning platforms, or workforce-related services.
• MBA or relevant professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) a plus.