Operations Manager - Aftermarket and Parts at Nikkiso in Irvine, CA

Company Overview

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases is a leading provider of cryogenic pumps, turboexpanders , heat exchangers, process systems, services, and solutions for the LNG, natural gas, petrochemical, and industrial gases industries. We are a subsidiary of Nikkiso Company Ltd, a leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with over $1.5 B in annual revenue, 8000 + employees worldwide, and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Job Overview

Nikkiso Expander Application Technology (NEAT) is filling a position for Operations Manager - Aftermarket and Parts. Responsible for growing aftermarket revenue and customer satisfaction through the effective management of spare parts, service programs, repairs, warranties, and long-term support agreements. This role leads aftermarket operations, supports the installed customer base, and partners with sales, engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to deliver responsive service, maximize profitability, and strengthen customer relationships throughout the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

Aftermarket Business Development

• Develop and implement strategies to grow aftermarket revenue through spare parts, repairs, field services, upgrades, and service agreements.
• Identify opportunities to increase parts sales, customer retention, and recurring revenue.
• Analyze market trends, customer requirements, and competitor offerings.
• Establish pricing strategies for spare parts and service offerings.

Spare Parts Management

• Oversee spare parts forecasting, planning, procurement, and inventory control.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels to ensure customer responsiveness while minimizing carrying costs.
• Implement inventory optimization and obsolescence management programs.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure part availability.

Customer Support & Service

• Serve as the primary point of escalation for aftermarket customers.
• Ensure timely processing of spare parts quotations, orders, and deliveries.
• Develop programs to improve customer satisfaction and service levels.
• Manage warranty claims and product support activities.

Sales & Commercial Operations

• Support the sales team with aftermarket opportunities and customer account development.
• Develop spare parts sales forecasts and annual revenue plans.
• Monitor sales performance against targets and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Lead contract negotiations related to service agreements and long-term support programs.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop spare parts, customer service, and aftermarket personnel.
• Establish performance objectives and KPIs.
• Foster a customer-focused culture and continuous improvement mindset.
• Recruit, train, and mentor team members.

Financial Management

• Prepare annual budgets and revenue forecasts.
• Monitor profitability of aftermarket programs and initiatives.
• Drive cost reduction and operational efficiency programs.
• Report business performance to senior leadership.

Process Improvement

• Implement best practices for order fulfillment, inventory management, and service operations.
• Utilize ERP, CRM, and inventory management systems to improve efficiency.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure compliance with company policies and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or related field.

Experience

• 7-10+ years of experience in aftermarket services, spare parts management, service operations, or industrial equipment sales.
• Experience managing inventory, forecasting, and customer support teams.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.

Skills

• Strategic planning and business development
• Inventory and supply chain management
• Customer relationship management
• Financial analysis and budgeting
• Leadership and team development
• Negotiation and contract management
• Data analysis and reporting
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Work Environmental and Physical Demands:

• In order to perform the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools or controls.
• Job will generally be performed in an office environment, but may require travel to a Client's office, production facility or industrial/construction job site. Conditions will vary at each location, but the conditions listed above will generally apply.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to meet the work environmental and physical demands listed above.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary: $110.000 - $175,000 per year (based on experience)

EEOC Statement

Nikkiso is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.