Director, Global Operations

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 $1.5B in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nikkiso Cryogenic Services (NCS) is an industry leader in the provision of services to the industrial gas and air separation industries, enhanced oil recovery operations, marine, clean energy, and alternative fuels markets. Boasting a vast portfolio of innovative solutions, cutting-edge technology, and expert services, the company stands tall as a go-to service provider for a wide range of clients. The company has carved a niche for itself in the market with its consistent delivery of top-tier services that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each industry. Our products have been instrumental in enabling customers to realize safer, greener, and more sustainable operations. From liquefied natural gas (LNG) systems to industrial gas equipment, every product is designed and manufactured with the utmost consideration for safety and environmental sustainability.

Nikkiso Cryogenic Services is not just a leading service provider to a range of industries, but also a champion of safer, greener operations. Its products and services are designed to meet the dual objectives of operational efficiency and sustainability, helping clients achieve their goals while minimizing environmental impact.

The Director of Global Operations for Nikkiso Cryogenic Services (NCS) is responsible for leading and optimizing global operational activities working through the regional Business Line Managers, service centers, field services, supply chain, and other aftermarket service functions.
The Director will work through regional teams to drive alignment, accountability, standardization, and continuous improvement while supporting NCS’s commitment to safety, quality, technical excellence, and customer service.

Why Join Nikkiso Cryogenic Services?

At Nikkiso, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of a growing global service organization supporting some of the world's most critical industries. You'll work alongside talented professionals, influence strategic business decisions, and lead initiatives that directly impact customer success, operational performance, and company growth.

We offer:

• A highly visible global leadership role
• Opportunity to influence operational strategy worldwide
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture
• Commitment to safety, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Professional growth and leadership development opportunities

Essential Functions/Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with all internal Product Companies and regional teams to deliver a world-class, consistent, and customer-focused service experience across all global markets.
• Drive operational consistency and standardization while supporting regional business requirements, local regulations, and customer expectations.
• Foster collaboration, communication, and strategic alignment among regional Business Line Managers, Service Managers, and operational leadership teams.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, efficiency, quality improvement, and cost reduction.
• Support regional revenue growth objectives by identifying operational bottlenecks, improving resource utilization, and removing barriers that impact service execution and customer satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain operational governance, accountability frameworks, standardized procedures, and performance expectations across all service organizations.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve Global Service Operations strategies aligned with organizational goals and long-term business objectives.
• Monitor regional operational KPI performance and partner with regional leadership teams to develop corrective actions and continuous improvement plans to achieve targets.
• Ensure consistency in service delivery, customer support standards, and operational execution across all regions and service locations.
• Champion and reinforce Nikkiso’s safety-first culture by promoting compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and best practices across global operations.
• Provide operational support for global service, repair, maintenance, and aftermarket activities to ensure timely and high-quality customer support.
• Develop and implement standardized procedures, workflows, and best practices that drive consistency, operational efficiency, and scalability across the global service organization.
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase productivity, reduce operational costs, improve product and service quality, and enhance overall business profitability and margins.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, and Product Companies, to ensure effective execution of strategic and operational initiatives.
• Partner with regional field service leadership to develop workforce planning strategies, including hiring, mobilization, training, and customer support readiness.
• Work collaboratively with regional service centers to ensure repair and maintenance activities are completed on schedule and operational bottlenecks are resolved promptly.
• Maintain strong working relationships with key internal stakeholders, including aftermarket centers, product companies, regional leadership teams, and executive management.
• Respond to escalated customer issues with urgency and professionalism, coordinating internal resources to drive timely resolution and customer satisfaction.
• Identify and proactively remove operational obstacles to ensure services are delivered safely, consistently, on time, and with a high level of quality.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support Nikkiso’s global business objectives, regional growth initiatives, and long-term operational excellence goals.

Competencies  

The successful candidate will possess a strong combination of operational leadership experience, technical expertise, strategic thinking, and interpersonal effectiveness to successfully lead global service operations across diverse cultures, regions, and business environments.

• Strong understanding of financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, cost controls, and financial analysis, with the ability to make informed operational decisions that support organizational profitability and growth.
• Strong strategic planning and execution skills, including the ability to develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company objectives and adapt effectively to changing business conditions.
• High level of cultural awareness and emotional intelligence, with the ability to work effectively across multicultural and geographically dispersed teams while fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization, customers, and external partners.
• Strong knowledge of modern service operations technologies, ERP systems, and operational reporting tools, with the ability to leverage technology to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and customer service delivery.
• Knowledge of international trade regulations, compliance requirements, quality standards, and risk management practices related to global operations is highly desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of aftermarket services related to centrifugal pumps, reciprocating pumps, turbo expanders, and associated rotating equipment.
• Broad technical knowledge and experience working with cryogenic equipment and systems.
• Strong understanding of quality control systems, operational procedures, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with project planning, project execution, and project management methodologies preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change initiatives, manage competing priorities, and adapt effectively in fast-paced and evolving business environments.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to positively influence leaders, peers, customers, and cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented with a strong sense of urgency, accountability, and the ability to serve as a proactive change agent within the organization.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.

Work Environment 

Extensive travel to domestic and international locations spent supporting the regional teams

Educational Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Business, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field required; equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or master’s degree in a related discipline such as International Management, Operations Management, or Supply Chain Management preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of global business operations, cross-functional collaboration, and process improvement methodologies is highly desirable.

Certifications

• Professional certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt are considered an asset.
• Additional certifications related to supply chain, operations, or continuous improvement methodologies are beneficial.

Experience: 

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in global service operations within an industrial, manufacturing, engineering, or related service-focused industry.

• Demonstrated ability to navigate the complexities of international operations, including coordination across diverse cultures, time zones, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
• Proven leadership experience with a strong track record of building, developing, and leading high-performing teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Experience in recruiting, coaching, mentoring, and developing employees to support organizational growth, succession planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong ability to foster collaboration, accountability, and effective communication across geographically dispersed teams and cross-functional departments.
• Experience driving operational excellence, process improvements, and customer-focused service delivery while maintaining alignment with organizational objectives.

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. 

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 based on disability.