Operations Excellence Engineer (Japan)
Position Summary
Support business growth and improve overall Operations performance through process engineering, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Drive productivity improvement, capacity expansion, inventory optimization, warehouse efficiency, and cross-functional operational improvements to achieve business objectives.
Job Responsibilities
Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
Analyze operational data and identify improvement opportunities in safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, and cost.
Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives across Manufacturing, Warehouse, and Supply Chain operations.
Drive process optimization and standardization to improve overall operational performance.
Facilitate root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring operational issues.
Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
Lead Lean implementation projects utilizing tools such as:
5S
Kaizen
Standard Work
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
8 Wastes (Muda)
Visual Management
Problem Solving Methodologies
Promote continuous improvement culture throughout the factory organization.
Capacity Expansion & Operational Projects
Support production and warehouse capacity expansion projects.
Participate in facility layout optimization and material flow improvement initiatives.
Coordinate project execution with Production, Planning, Warehouse, Quality, Engineering and EHS teams.
Inventory & Warehouse Improvement
Drive inventory accuracy improvement initiatives.
Improve warehouse processes and material handling efficiency.
Support inventory reduction and working capital improvement projects.
Improve material flow from receiving through finished goods shipment.
Data Analysis & Performance Management
Develop and maintain operational KPI dashboards.
Analyze KPI trends and identify improvement opportunities.
Support management reporting and operational reviews.
Recommend actions to improve OTIF, Productivity, Inventory Turns, Cost per Kg, Write-off and other operational KPIs.
EHS & Compliance
Ensure all operational activities comply with EHS standards and company requirements.
Participate in risk assessments and improvement actions.
Drive safe working practices through process improvements.
Other Duties
Perform other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager.
Qualification Requirements
Education
Bachelor's degree or above in:
Industrial Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Supply Chain Management
Other Engineering-related disciplines
Experience
Required
3 to 7 years of experience in manufacturing or operations environment.
Hands-on experience in process improvement and shopfloor engagement.
Proven experience in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence.
Experience working cross-functionally with Production, Warehouse, Quality, Planning, and EHS.
Preferred
Experience in chemical manufacturing industry.
Experience in warehouse and inventory management improvement.
APICS / CPIM knowledge.
Project management experience.
Skills & Competencies
Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Project management capability.
Data analysis and reporting skills.
Good English communication skills for regional/global collaboration.
Certifications (Preferred)
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt
Lean Practitioner Certification
Project Management Certification (PMP)
APICS CPIM / CSCP
Career Path
Operations Supervisor
Operations Excellence Manager
Production Manager
Operations Manager
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