Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Role overview

A long-established manufacturing organization is looking for a seasoned Chief Operating Officer to work directly with senior leadership and guide the company’s day-to-day and long-term operational direction. The position focuses on building operational strength across several business areas, including production, sales, finance, quality, and overall organizational performance. The right candidate will be a practical, results-oriented leader who can turn strategy into action and support steady business expansion.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with executive leadership to shape and implement company strategy and major business initiatives.
• Take ownership of daily operations spanning production, sales, quality, finance, and administrative functions.
• Champion process improvements that raise efficiency, output, and profitability.
• Manage operating budgets and profit-and-loss performance while keeping financial goals on track.
• Define, track, and strengthen KPIs across departments using data-led decisions.
• Encourage collaboration between teams to improve coordination and remove operational blockers.
• Contribute to business development efforts and help build stronger customer relationships.
• Guide organizational change and coach management teams to higher performance.
• Oversee operations across several facilities.
• Maintain compliance with quality systems, regulatory obligations, and internal policies.
• Regularly present operational and financial updates to executive leadership.

Candidate profile

• At least 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior operations leadership position in automotive manufacturing.
• Strong background in leading manufacturing operations in a multi-site setup; experience managing 100 or more employees is an advantage.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing workflows, production management, supply chain operations, and continuous improvement methods.
• Demonstrated ability to manage P&L and improve operational results and profitability.
• Strong leadership ability with experience in organizational development and team building.
• Exposure to ERP implementation and use of manufacturing technology to improve efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage stakeholders effectively.
• Working knowledge of automotive quality systems such as IATF 16949 and/or ISO standards.
• An MBA or similar advanced business qualification is preferred.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Additional notes

Japanese language ability is not required for this role.