Director, Operational Excellence

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG and industrial gases industry.  We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with over $1.5 B in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nikkiso ACD is an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in machinery designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures as low as – 420 degrees Fahrenheit, the boiling point of Liquid hydrogen. For over 50 years, Nikkiso ACD has specialized in centrifugal and reciprocating pumps as well as turbines for air separation. Nikkiso ACD has the most diversified product line in the industry covering nearly every application requiring pumps or turboexpanders.

We are currently seeking a Director of Operational Excellence at Nikkiso ACD. The successful candidate will identify opportunities to optimize and improve manufacturing operations while documenting best practices across the business.

This position is based at ACD, LLC, located in Santa Ana, CA.

• Delivers quality product on time while improving existing processes and supporting engineering development
• Drives productivity improvements and creates/implements transformation plans using expertise in production, machine shop, warehouse and master planning
• Assess manufacturing operations and identify opportunities to improve cash flow and support the implementation of lean principles to improve quality, productivity and efficiency while reducing cost
• Lead and manage supply chain projects that focus on improving supplier performance by establishing supplier relations across the globe
• Expert on master planning for operations (forecast/demand/supply/materials/inventory planning)
• Promote and develop lean practices across the organization such as Daily Management, Leadership Standard Work, and Gemba Walks
• Act as change agent to support the optimization and implementation of new systems and digitalization efforts to stabilize and improve site operations
• Co-lead and participate in strategy deployment and value-stream mapping
• May act as interim site leader as needed

• Bachelor degree in engineering, operations or business or equivalent work experience
• Operations oriented leader with 15+ years experience in supply chain, production, and machine shop operations
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with and positively influence leadership at all levels of the organization
• Expertise in problem-solving utilizing a formal program/process
• Ability to lead projects in cross functional teams
• Able to travel domestically and internationally as needed
• Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel 
• Demonstrates excellence in interpersonal skills - verbal and written communication; self-starter; positive make-it-happen attitude; team player

Desired Skillsets:

• Extensive knowledge in manufacturing best practices for materials planning, production and machining processes, and lean practices that are consistent with Nikkiso ACD centrifugal and reciprocating pump products, and how they are manufactured for the cryogenic industry
• Extensive knowledge in supplier development strategies (globally and domestic is preferred)
• Extensive knowledge of material flow best practices in a production environment high mix and low volume
• Extensive knowledge in supplier negotiations and contract agreements
• Broad knowledge of multi-functional and multi-site teams working in a global environment
• Broad knowledge working with machining castings, forgings, and welding
• Broad knowledge in Machining and Fabrication – Bronze alloy, aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel
• Consulting background in Operations/Supply Chain/Lean preferred
• Program management experience implementing ERP systems preferred
• Hands-on experience with Problem Solving / Lean Manufacturing
• Project Planning / Project Management preferred

Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, photocopiers, and smartphones.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary: $150,000 - $180,000 annually

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled:
Nikkiso CE&IG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.