Bilingual (Japanese/English) Process Improvement Manager

SUMMARY A global Automation Machinery Manufacturer in Charlotte, NC is looking for a Bilingual (Japanese/English) Process Improvement Manager. You will be working with a General Manager to oversee the business for this position.Responsible for business process improvement and workflow standardization across the Logistics and Automation Division. The role works across Sales, Systems Engineering (SE), Project Management (PM), Installation, Software, Engineering, and Service to identify process gaps, improve handoffs, facilitate agreement on better ways of working, document and standardize agreed processes, follow up on implementation, and escalate material roadblocks when needed.This role is to identify gaps, facilitate cross-functional solutions, standardize agreed processes, follow up on implementation, and escalate unresolved issues when necessary.Responsibilities for Bilingual (Japanese/English) Process Improvement Manager: • Analyze current workflows across Sales, SE, PM, Installation, Software, Engineering, and Service; identify process gaps, unclear ownership, handoff issues, recurring problems, and opportunities for improvement.• Facilitate cross-functional improvement activities and help teams design and standardize critical workflows, procedures, templates, and operating practices.• Coordinate improvement actions by facilitating agreement on clear action owners and deadlines, tracking progress and adoption, and escalating unresolved operational issues to the Director of Operations and major issues to the General Manager when appropriate.• Support functional managers in developing and implementing practical KPI’s and other measures to evaluate process effectiveness, quality, execution, and adoption of agreed standards.• Support root-cause analysis and corrective and preventive actions for recurring cross-functional issues, while ensuring the responsible functional manager retains ownership of implementation within the department.• Work closely with the Director of Operations and managers to improve execution. Technical Project Experience and Improvement Support• Apply technical project management experience and knowledge of equipment and automation projects to understand execution challenges and support cross-functional process improvement, including engineering, installation, commissioning, software, and service activities.• Participate in selected project reviews and customer or vendor meetings as needed to understand execution risks, clarify cross-functional responsibilities, and identify opportunities to improve project quality and repeatability.• Improve handoffs and working relationships between Sales, SE, PM, Installation, Software, Engineering, and Service to support consistent and efficient project execution.• Support managers and project leaders in developing and standardizing project execution practices, documentation, lessons learned, and best practices.• Lead or support special cross-functional projects assigned by the General Manager.• Accurately convey management intent, business context, technical content, risks, concerns, and action items between Japanese- and English-speaking participants when bilingual support is required.• Prepare, translate, or review selected meeting materials, reports, correspondence, action lists, and other business documents as needed to support clear and timely communication.• Capture critical technical, project, and operational knowledge from expatriates, subject-matter experts, and experienced employees and convert it into sustainable local processes, procedures, and training materials.• Work with managers and technical experts to develop local team capabilities and reduce dependence on individual knowledge or specific expatriate resources.• Facilitate workshops, reviews, and training activities that improve process understanding, cross-functional collaboration, and consistent execution.• Identify capability gaps and recommend development priorities, training needs, or organizational improvements to the General Manager and responsible managers. Organizational Leadership• Assist the General Manager and division leadership in implementing business priorities, organizational improvements, and long-range capability-building objectives.• Build effective working relationships with manager-level stakeholders and influence action across functions without relying on direct reporting authority.• Convene improvement meetings, request necessary information, facilitate agreement on responsibilities and timing, follow up on agreed actions, and escalate material issues when decisions or support are required.• Demonstrate leadership potential and readiness to take on broader management responsibility as the organization and role evolve.•Other duties are assigned by General Manager.Qualifications for Bilingual (Japanese/English) Process Improvement Manager: •Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in Engineering, Business, Operations, Supply Chain.•5+ years of experience in technical project management, business process improvement, continuous improvement, cross-functional operations, or a related field.•Must be fluent in both English and Japanese.•Is able to do business trip up to 40%.•Must be able to work in USA without VISA support.Activ8 Recruitment & Solutions / Renaissance Resources Inc. has been a trusted leader in North American recruiting for Japanese businesses for over 25 years. We specialize in connecting top talent with companies in the Automotive, Electronics, Food & Beverage, Logistics, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Banking & Finance, and Entertainment industries. Our client-focused approach ensures that we understand your unique needs, whether you’re a company seeking skilled professionals or a candidate looking for the right career opportunity. By working closely with each individual, we provide tailored solutions that drive success.We screen ALL Candidates to verify the validity of each applicant's provided information. Upon submitting your resume, we will contact only those candidates that we deem qualified for our client. If we do not contact you, we do not see the fit for the position. If we are unable to reach you in a reasonable timeframe, you will be eliminated from the pool of potential candidates.We prioritize direct applicants; third-party resumes may not be reviewed.