Project Manager, Continuous Improvement

• This role is onsite in Austin TX and requires up to 15% travel (domestic and international).

Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in project management and continuous improvement. Interprets internal business and operational challenges and recommends best-practice, data-driven solutions. Solves complex and ambiguous problems by taking a systems-level view across people, process, and technology. Operates independently with limited guidance in the most complex situations. May lead cross-functional teams, projects, and continuous improvement initiatives Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage end-to-end project plans from initiation through implementation, ensuring delivery of scope, schedule, cost, and quality objectives.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving operational efficiency, quality, cycle time, cost, and compliance across business processes.
• Develop and maintain process maps, value stream maps, KPIs, and CI roadmaps to identify gaps, waste, and improvement opportunities.
• Drive project and CI deliverables through structured execution using reports, dashboards, tracking charts, checklists, and standard work.
• Align cross-functional resources (operations, logistics, trade, IT, manufacturing, finance, etc.) to achieve project outcomes and sustain process improvements.
• Monitor and report project performance, benefits realization, and continuous improvement impacts (e.g., cost savings, productivity gains, risk reduction).
• Participate in and lead intra-business unit design and improvement teams, contributing to operational and technical maturity of processes.
• Perform root cause analysis (e.g., A3, RCA, 5 Whys, Fishbone) to resolve project obstacles and systemic issues; implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support standardization efforts by documenting processes, creating playbooks, and driving adoption of best practices across teams and sites. Functional Knowledge
• Demonstrates strong conceptual and practical expertise in project management and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, PDCA).
• Working knowledge of related disciplines such as operations, supply chain/logistics, manufacturing, compliance, or enterprise systems. Business Expertise
• Applies industry and internal best practices to improve business outcomes; understands how process efficiency, quality, and compliance impact business performance.
• Understands competitive and operational drivers and how continuous improvement differentiates performance. Leadership
• Acts as a subject-matter resource for colleagues with less experience in project execution and process improvement.
• May lead small-to-medium projects and improvement initiatives with manageable risk, scope, and resources.
• Influences without authority by driving alignment and accountability across cross-functional stakeholders. Problem Solving
• Solves complex problems using structured, data-driven approaches.
• Challenges existing processes and proposes innovative, scalable solutions that improve long-term performance. Impact
• Impacts a range of operational, customer, project, and service activities within own team and across related teams through measurable continuous improvement outcomes.
• Operates within broad policies while helping define better ways of working. Interpersonal Skills
• Communicates complex or sensitive information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Builds consensus, drives change adoption, and supports change management as part of continuous improvement efforts. Work Experience
• 4-7 years of experience in project management, operations, or supply chain roles, with demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement or process optimization initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Experience in manufacturing, logistics, global trade, or regulated environments Demonstrated benefits realization (cost, cycle time, quality, compliance) ## Qualifications ###

Education:

Bachelor's Degree ### Skills ###

Certifications:

###

Languages:

###

Years of Experience:

4 - 7 Years ###

Work Experience:

## Additional Information ### ###

Shift:

10-Day 8-Hr (United States of America) ### ###

Travel:

Yes, 20% of the Time ### ###

Relocation Eligible:

Yes ###

Referral Payment Plan:

Employee Referral (Standard) U.S.

Salary Range:

$96,000.00 - $132,000.00 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 committed to diversity in the workplace. All 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.