Job Summary
The Contract Manufacturing Leader leads cross-functional transformation initiatives across the Americas operations, driving the evolution from current-state performance to world class future state operations. This role oversees the deployment of Opex roadmaps, internal and external NPI and product transfer programs, and large-scale cost reduction initiatives. As a senior member of the Advanced Manufacturing team, the role provides strategic leadership, governance, and execution capability across sites and business units.
Job Description
This senior role is part of the Global Advanced Manufacturing team and will encompass many different aspects of project & change management which include but not restricted to; macro factory Opex road maps, PQPR/3P/L3K events, Nidec Drives NPI and product transfers, MOEN contract manufacturing projects. The nature of this role requires excellent planning, stakeholder management and communication skills that will require flexibility in terms of working hours and location.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Change Management
* Lead major transformation programs across the Americas region, including Opex deployment, NPI readiness, and strategic operational initiatives.
* Drive structured change management, ensuring effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and alignment across all levels of the organization.
* Assist the local operations leadership in building a high-performing, self-directed transformation culture that models “The Nidec Way” and fosters accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
* Enable cross-functional teams to act by providing coaching, clarity of direction, and disciplined execution processes.
2. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
* Assist with the Americas Opex roadmap, ensuring alignment with business strategy, financial targets, and operational KPIs.
* A pivotal member of PQPR, 3P, and L3K events with rigor and execution discipline, maintaining cadence and reporting for all factory-level improvement activities.
* Support and coach CI teams across the Americas, ensuring standardization, knowledge transfer, and adoption of best‑practice methodologies.
* Ensure that the pipeline of transformation projects contribute to profitability, cost reduction, operational stability, and growth.
3. NPI, Product Transfers and Contract Manufacturing
* Lead NPI programs for both Nidec Drives and MOEN product portfolios, ensuring governance, stage‑gate readiness, operational alignment, and timely execution.
* Establish and oversee the non-operational NPI support structure, ensuring clear ownership and efficient cross-functional collaboration.
* Coordinate with Operations teams to ensure smooth execution of product transfers and insourcing opportunities across regional sites.
* Create an operational environment that simplifies MOEN product manufacturing within Nidec Drives Americas facilities.
4. Strategic Responsibilities
* Contribute to the development of Nidec Drives Americas strategy and support key initiatives for the international organization.
* Identify and evaluate opportunities to improve cost structure, strengthen operational capabilities, and standardize best-in-class manufacturing practices.
* Influence global and regional stakeholders to align priorities, resources, and timing for transformation initiatives.
5. People Leadership
* Assist in the development of a high performing self-directed operations team to forge a team environment that unties behind common goals
* Create and sustain a positive working environment: -
o Model the ‘Nidec way’
o Inspire a shared vision
o Challenge the process
o Enable others to act
o Encourage the heart
Additional Job Details
Management – M2
Organizational Impact
• Works to achieve operational, functional, and/or business targets within team with direct impact on departmental or job family results
• Delivers operational results that have impact on the immediate or short-term results (e.g., less than 1 year) for the department and/or job family group
• Plans and establishes goals and objectives for a team typically comprising of intermediate-level professionals and entry level professionals
Communication & Influence
• Communicates with parties within and occasionally outside of own department or job family, which may include external clients or partners depending upon the job area
• Requires ability to influence others outside of own job area on policies, practices and procedures
Innovation & Complexity
• Responsible for making moderate improvements of processes, systems, or products to enhance performance of the job area
• Problems are difficult and moderately complex and typically impact multiple departments or job family
• Problems are typically solved through drawing from prior experience and analysis of issues
Leadership & Talent Management
• Manages a team typically comprising of intermediate-level professionals and entry level professionals
• Leads, directs and reviews the work of team members in order to accomplish operational plans and results
• Typically has hiring, firing, promotion, and reward authority within own area, in accordance with manager review and approval
Knowledge & Experience
• Requires practical knowledge in leading and managing the execution of processes, projects and tactics within one job area
• Typically has advanced knowledge and skills within a specific technical or professional discipline with understanding of the impact of work on other areas of the organization
• Typically has a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional certification and 5 years of prior relevant experience