Director of Operations: Cryogenic Manufacturing Leader

Nikkiso Co.; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is seeking a Director of Operations to lead manufacturing for cryogenic pumps, ensure safety/compliance, and drive profitability. This role builds strategies, manages budgets, and mentors a large team across global operations to deliver high-quality products on time.

Ideal candidate has 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, strong regulatory knowledge, and a proven record of cross-functional leadership in a cryogenic context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Operations Management, or related field or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a manufacturing leadership role, preferably in the rotating equipment industry
• Extensive knowledge in manufacturing that are consistent with pump products, and how they are manufactured for the cryogenic industry preferred
• Proven track record of developing and implementing operational strategies that improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability
• Experience managing budgets and controlling expenses for operations
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and environmental and safety regulations
• Extensive knowledge in lean manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of quality control systems and procedures
• Hands-on experience working with global manufacturing operations
• Broad knowledge of multi-functional and multi-site teams working in a global environment
• Broad knowledge working with cryogenic industries
• Hands-on experience with Problem Solving / Six Sigma
• Project Planning / Project Management experience is preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior management
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Progressive experience in roles leading manufacturing operations
• High adaptability and flexibility, including the ability to manage deadline pressure, ambiguity, and change
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with and positively influence leadership at all levels of the organization
• Self-motivated with extremely strong sense of urgency-act as a change agent in the organization
• Demonstrates excellence in interpersonal skills - verbal and written communication, self-starter, positive make-it-happen attitude, team player
• Able to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies that improve the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of the manufacturing operations for cryogenic pumps
• Ensure that manufacturing operations comply with all relevant safety and environmental regulations
• Develop and manage the annual manufacturing budget and monitor and control expenses to ensure that they remain within budgetary constraints
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality while reducing product cost and increase margins
• Manage and develop a large team of manufacturing professionals, providing coaching and mentoring to enable them to reach their full potential
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, design, and sales, to ensure that products meet customer requirements
• Maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and outsourced manufacturing partners
• Develop and implement consistent processes and best practice strategies, policies, procedures, and goals
• Work cross-functionally with product manager, product development, engineering and project management teams to ensure company goals are met and the necessary support to deliver on time is provided
• Lead the effort in identification, recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, and ongoing engagement of high-performance team members
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators for manufacturing such as safety, quality, delivery, cost, cash and, people
• Address escalated customer issues with speed and urgency, orchestrating resources across the company as appropriate
• Identify and remove obstacles to delivering products consistently on time with the right quality

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic planning

Communication with senior management

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering/Supply Chain/Operations Management

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is seeking a Director of Operations to lead manufacturing for cryogenic pumps, ensure safety/compliance, and drive profitability. This role builds strategies, manages budgets, and mentors a large team across global operations to deliver high-quality products on time.

Ideal candidate has 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, strong regulatory knowledge, and a proven record of cross-functional leadership in a cryogenic context.