Vice President, Operations

Nidec Motor Corporation•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Nidec is the world's No.1 comprehensive motor manufacturer handling "everything that spins and moves", miniature to gigantic. Nidec is a global enterprise comprised of over 300 subsidiaries/affiliates. We are a leading manufacturer of commercial motors, industrial motors, appliance motors, and controls. Nidec motors can be found in products that range from cell phones, computers and home appliances to industrial and mining equipment – and everything in between. Our product line features a full line of high efficiency motors for industrial applications in water treatment, mining, oil and gas, and power generation, and for commercial applications such as pool and spa, condensers, cooling towers and large refrigeration units. From keeping us comfortable in our homes to pumping clean water to making our cars more safe, electric motors are an indispensable part of our daily lives. At Nidec, our employees are on the forefront of developing new motor technologies. As we move deeper into the age of robotics, the impact of motors will only increase. With over 140,000 employees stationed worldwide, Nidec continues to be a unique organization, and each location maintains its individual personality. The Vice President of Operations is a key member of Nidec’s Motion and Energy (MOEN) executive leadership team, responsible for leading global operational strategy and execution across business unit segments within MOEN. This role provides strategic oversight of core operational areas including manufacturing technology, logistics, process optimization, sustainability, process engineering, and environmental health & safety (EH&S). With direct accountability for MOEN-wide initiatives and influence across global business unit operations, the VP ensures alignment with the overall MOEN strategy and drives excellence in quality, safety, delivery, cost, and innovation. The role fosters a culture of continuous improvement, proactive EH&S leadership, and cross-functional collaboration across international teams and facilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in global, multi-unit manufacturing operations.
Proven cost-focused ownership and experience leading capital investment programs.
Expertise in SIOP/S&OP and Lean Six Sigma
Demonstrated success improving operational efficiency, cost performance, and strategic growth across global markets.
Strong knowledge of EH&S regulations and risk management practices.
Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with executive leadership to shape MOEN‑wide strategic direction and ensure alignment with global operational objectives.
Translate MOEN strategy into an integrated global operations roadmap with defined KPIs, governance standards, and long‑range priorities.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives and major capital projects, including plant modernization and automation.
Establish a structured performance review cadence and benchmarking process across business units.
Monitor and assess operational performance using data-driven analysis of costs, activities, and forecasts.
Embed Lean Six Sigma and SIOP (Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning) principles to enhance manufacturing and supply chain effectiveness.
Champion a proactive EH&S culture, ensuring compliance and anticipating risks.
Drive global operational consistency, standardization, and best-practice adoption.
Lead the development of annual budgets that integrate all operational functions across MOEN.
Responsible for global operations – drive variable cost productivity, improve footprint utilization and approve ROI-based capital investments.
Establish and track cost‑reduction targets aligned with business objectives.
Implement systems and procedures to ensure timely and efficient product shipment worldwide.
Contribute to long‑range planning and the development of operational policies.
Lead change-management initiatives to accelerate adoption of new processes and technologies.
Facilitate cross-functional coordination to ensure alignment of production schedules, delivery commitments, and customer expectations.
Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Foster a collaborative, high-performance environment across global teams; develop succession plans for key roles.
Identify opportunities to strengthen engagement, capability, and alignment with organizational goals.