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.

Sourcing & Commercial Execution

• 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.

Supplier Management & Performance

• 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.

Analytics, Risk & Continuous Improvement

• 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.

Functional Knowledge

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

Business Expertise

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

Leadership

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

Problem Solving

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

Impact

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

Interpersonal Skills

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

Qualifications

Required:

• 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.

Preferred:

• 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.

Impact

This role operates with a high degree of autonomy, owns complex categories or sub-portfolios, and directly impacts business outcomes through strategic sourcing decisions, supplier innovation, and value realization. The role may mentor junior CBMs and contribute to broader functional or transformation initiatives.

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time Employee Type: Assignee / Regular Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time Relocation Eligible: Yes

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

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.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.