Category Manager - Marketing, Meetings & Events

**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, Santa Clara,CA 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](https://hrportal.ehr.com/applied/). **Key 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. **General Profile** Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise Interprets internal or external business issues and recommends best practices Solves complex problems; takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations. May lead functional teams or projects **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 negot…