Chief Global Operations & Supply Chain Leader

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

Nikon SLM Solutions is a global leader in metal additive manufacturing, delivering advanced 3D printing systems powered by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technologies. Our solutions transform metal powders into high-performance, production-ready components for leading organizations across the aerospace, energy, healthcare, automotive, and industrial sectors. Headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, and supported by approximately 600 employees worldwide, Nikon SLM Solutions is advancing the future of industrial manufacturing through innovation, precision, and scalability. Our U.S. headquarters in Long Beach, California, places us at the center of one of the nation’s leading hubs for aerospace, technology, and advanced manufacturing, allowing us to work closely with many of the industries and customers we serve.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading Nikon SLM Solutions' U.S. operations while driving operational excellence, manufacturing performance, supply chain execution, and commercial operations. This executive leader provides strategic oversight into manufacturing, procurement, logistics, third-party manufacturing, warehouse operations, and operational planning to support the company's continued growth. In addition to leading North American operations, this role provides global leadership for Nikon SLM Solutions' third-party manufacturing strategy, partnering with international manufacturing teams, including colleagues in Lübeck, Germany, to ensure alignment in production planning, operational execution, quality, and continuous improvement across external manufacturing partners. Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Finance, Quality, Commercial, and Global Operations, the Vice President develops scalable operational strategies that improve efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

CANDIDATE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide executive leadership for manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, logistics, commercial operations, warehouse operations, and third-party manufacturing. Develop and execute operational strategies that support business growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. Lead organizational planning, workforce development, and continuous improvement initiatives across the Operations organization. Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and operational excellence. Oversee manufacturing operations, production planning, procurement, inventory management, logistics, and supplier performance. Develop and execute global third-party manufacturing strategies by partnering with international teams and external manufacturing partners to optimize quality, capacity, delivery performance, and cost. Collaborate with teams in Lübeck, Germany, to align global manufacturing priorities, production planning, and operational execution. Ensure operational readiness to support new product introductions and business growth. Own the Operations budget and operational P&L performance. Develop KPIs that measure manufacturing performance, supply chain efficiency, inventory, quality, and customer delivery. Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and operational performance. Support annual business planning, forecasting, and capital investment decisions. Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across all operational functions. Standardize operational processes to improve productivity, scalability, and quality. Support enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives, including ERP optimization and process automation. Establish performance metrics and reporting that drive data-based operational decisions. Partner with Engineering, Quality, Service, Commercial, Finance, and Product Management to improve operational performance and customer outcomes. Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to align demand forecasting, production capacity, and inventory planning. Collaborate with global leadership to ensure regional execution aligns with overall company strategy. Lead strategic initiatives supporting new products, operational scalability, and long-term business objectives.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline; Master's degree preferred. 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience within manufacturing, industrial equipment, or advanced technology environments. Proven experience leading manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, procurement, and commercial operations. Demonstrated experience managing operational P&L and driving cost optimization initiatives. Strong background implementing Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence methodologies. Experience establishing KPIs and utilizing data to improve operational performance. Experience leading organizational transformation, process improvement, and operational scaling initiatives. Strong project management and change management experience. Experience working with ERP systems, preferably SAP S/4HANA. Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Ability to influence stakeholders across global organizations and lead through change. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Six Sigma methodologies or certification. Experience managing third-party manufacturing (3PM) and third-party logistics/warehouse (3PL/3PO) partners. Experience supporting digital transformation initiatives utilizing automation, AI, or advanced analytics. Experience within additive manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, aerospace, medical device, or other highly regulated industries. Experience leading globally distributed teams and collaborating across international organizations.

OUR COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Health coverage including medical, dental, and vision 401(k) plan and 4% match Holiday Pay and Paid Time Off Paid parental leave Gym reimbursement Tuition reimbursement Company-paid disability coverage Company-paid life insurance Nikon SLM Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship or Green Card is required.

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply directly via our online application tool. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications by e-mail. We look forward to your application. You have any further questions? Please feel free to contact us. Your HR Recruiting Team Nikon SLM Solutions #J-18808-Ljbffr Nikon SLM Solutions AG