- Location
- North America/USA/Illinois/Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Operations
- Seniority
- VP
- Source
- Workday
Description
We begin with dreams. Dreams drive our motivation. Dreams are our future. The world's dreams, people's dreams, our dreams. Our passion creates ideas that make dreams come alive. Technology and products that were only dreams become reality.
All for dreams. Dreams challenge and the Nidec-Group will continue to meet the challenge. For the world's and people's tomorrows; the world's first, the world's best technologies and products; we will continue our part in creating a better society.
Job Summary
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.
Job Description
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.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- 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.
Operational Management
- 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.
Financial Oversight
- 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.
Policy & Communication
- 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.
Team Engagement
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
Core Competencies
- Global Mindset & Strategic Thinking
- Operational Excellence & Cost Optimization
- Change Leadership & Resilience
- Building Effective Teams & Talent Development
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Customer Focus
- Problem Solving
Additional Job Details
Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action at Nidec
Nidec is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, genetic information, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following website: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf
Work Shift Schedule
No Soliciting
Nidec will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to Nidec job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Nidec Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Nidec Talent Acquisition team.
