Responsibilities - Define and maintain a multi-year global category strategy aligned with Applied and GSP priorities, including clear objectives, value levers, and execution waves. - Establish category scope, taxonomy alignment, and an integrated demand/supply perspective (business requirements, demand signals, and supply market dynamics). - Develop and continuously refresh a category roadmap, sequencing initiatives based on impact, urgency, risk, and capacity to maintain a forward-looking pipeline. - Own supplier portfolio design and segmentation (strategic, preferred, transactional), and define engagement models for each segment. - Execute Strategic Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) for priority suppliers, including performance management, innovation, commercial governance, and executive alignment. - Serve as a trusted advisor to business unit leadership, translating business objectives into category strategies and sourcing priorities. - Lead and facilitate category councils and governance forums to drive decisions, alignment, and accountability. - Define and manage the category value pipeline; partner with Finance for validation, tracking, and reporting of results. - Integrate supplier risk management into category strategies, including third-party risk (TPRM) triggers and mitigation plans. - Translate category strategy into sourcing wave plans and playbooks for Strategic Sourcing Managers and SCoE teams. - Execute sourcing and category management activities in alignment with defined operating models, tools, and processes. - Lead category management and sourcing strategies for Meetings & Events, including: Venue sourcing, Event agencies, Production and AV services, Hospitality and lodging, Transportation and logistics, Onsite event support, Group travel as applicable. - Provide category support for Marketing Communications, including: Creative and branding agencies, Digital marketing services, Content production, Communications support, Campaign-related external services. - Develop and execute category strategies aligned to business priorities, demand patterns, and market dynamics. - Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders by bringing market intelligence, sourcing discipline, and commercial recommendations to business planning and supplier decisions. - Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation: Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives, including RFx development, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract execution. - Drive competitive bidding, supplier consolidation, cost optimization, and service quality improvements. - Negotiate commercial terms, pricing structures, SLAs, and business protections in partnership with legal and internal stakeholders. - Support both planned and urgent business requirements with appropriate sourcing rigor and speed. - Supplier Management: Manage strategic supplier relationships across the portfolio to improve performance, innovation, responsiveness, and compliance. - Establish supplier scorecards and performance reviews focused on service delivery, quality, cost, and stakeholder satisfaction. - Identify and address supplier-related risks, including commercial, operational, and reputational exposures. - Drive continuous improvement and accountability with key agency and event partners. - Financial, Operational & Risk Management: Identify and deliver savings, value creation, and cost avoidance opportunities. - Analyze spend, demand, supplier concentration, and business requirements to inform sourcing strategies and recommendations. - Ensure contracts and engagements align with company policies, procurement standards, and risk management requirements. - Partner cross-functionally with legal, finance, AP, and business teams to ensure effective execution and governance. - Support budget-conscious decision-making while balancing service, quality, and stakeholder experience. - Process Excellence: Improve procurement processes, intake methods, templates, playbooks, and stakeholder guidance for meetings, events, and marketing services. - Help business teams navigate sourcing, contracting, and supplier engagement processes efficiently. - Contribute to stronger category visibility, pipeline planning, and reporting. Requirements - Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time Nice to have - Experience supporting marketing communications, creative agencies, media, digital marketing, or production services is valuable. - Strong experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, contracting, and stakeholder engagement is advantageous. Benefits - 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’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. - Applied Materials offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees.