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Vice President, Operations

Nidec · North America/USA/Illinois/Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Jul 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you turned around an operation that was missing safety, quality or delivery targets.

What they are checking: Whether they have actually led a turnaround and can name what they changed and why.

Nidec is a global group with over 300 companies. How do you work with leaders in other regions and a parent company?

What they are checking: Whether they can operate within a large global structure and manage up and across well.

How do you build a strong bench of plant managers and operations leaders?

What they are checking: Whether they invest in developing people so the organization does not depend on them alone.

Tell me about a hard decision you made that was unpopular with your team. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can make tough calls and still keep trust with the people affected.

What would you do

A key supplier for motor components cannot deliver for six weeks. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can protect customers through supply disruption with practical options.

You inherit a plant with a poor safety record. What are your first steps?

What they are checking: Whether they treat safety as a leadership priority and know how to change culture on the floor.

About the work

Nidec makes motors for applications from pool and spa to mining and power generation. How would you run operations across such different product lines?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage mixed volume and complexity without forcing one model on every plant.

How do you decide which metrics you watch every week as a VP of Operations?

What they are checking: Whether they focus on a few metrics that drive results instead of drowning in data.

How have you used lean or continuous improvement to reduce cost without hurting quality?

What they are checking: Whether they have real improvement results and understand the trade-offs involved.

How do you handle capital investment decisions when several plants need equipment at once?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize capital using clear business cases and risk.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Nidec.

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.

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