Director, Continuous Process Improvement

Notice: Collectors will transition to the Workday Applicant Tracking System (ATS) on May 27th. Applicants may be asked to reapply at that time. For questions regarding your application status, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team.

Collectors is the leading creator of innovative technology that provides value-added services for collectors worldwide. We grade, authenticate, vault and sell millions of record-setting collectibles, all while modernizing and digitalizing the process to further our mission of helping collectors pursue their passions. We're always on the lookout for talented people to join our growing team.

Our services span collectible coins, trading cards, Funko Pops!, video games, event tickets, autographs, and memorabilia. Our subsidiaries include PSA, PCGS, WATA, Card Ladder, SGC and the Long Beach Expo collectibles trade show. Since our founding in 1986, we have graded and authenticated millions of items. We employ more than 1,700 people across our headquarters in Santa Ana and offices in Jersey City, Seattle, Canada, Hong Kong, Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

We're looking for a Director of Continuous Improvement to join our Operations team. As a senior member of the operations leadership team, this role supports and enhances every aspect of how we deliver our products and services to the collector on time and error free every time. Operations at Collectors is a blend of logistics and light manufacturing (assembly). You will lead three distinct teams - Continuous Process Improvement, Engineering, and Training in support of the front line operational production teams. The CI team provides support for our expanding operational footprint in Santa Ana, Jersey City, and internationally. This role is instrumental in supporting the broader operations teams ability, at all sites, to meet safety, throughput, efficiency, and quality objectives. In this role, you'll be working dynamically with your assigned team, internal cross functional partners, as well as external support partners and suppliers.

You'll report to the Vice President of Operations and work from our Santa Ana, CA. Candidates who are local to our Jersey City, NJ office or fully remote will also be considered, though significant travel (75%) will be required.

What You'll Do:

• Seek and drive continuous process improvement across all aspects of the operation.
• Generate and manage a robust project list to deliver against our quality, efficiency, and throughput goals.
• Manage a multi-functional department including the Continuous Improvement, Operations Engineering, and Training teams in support of the frontline operational production teams.
• Lead our Operations Engineering efforts to improve our product, services, and efficiencies by driving to improve quality, speed, and cost effectiveness. There are four primary tasks assigned Operations Engineering:
• Mechanical - develops and deploys advanced mechanical solutions to the production teams
• Holders - designs, specs, tests, and maintains our holder assortment
• Quality - ensures that our product (holders) meets stringent quality standards from factory to customer.
• Maintenance - maintains our production equipment to ensure maximum daily uptime to life cycle management.
• Lead the learning team in the development and maintenance of operational documentation including lesson plans, training aids, SOP's, and program documents, and to provide direct support on assigned training events and topics.
• Collaborate closely with our Procurement team which is responsible for managing our supplier base, raw material needs, inventory management, and purchasing, with a goal to enhance our supplier base to improve new item lead times, improve quality, and diversify to mitigate risk.
• Project manage a constant slate of complex automation, expansion, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Provide individual leadership and work cross-functionally with the People team to develop and enhance staff skills while creating a rewarding, fulfilling work environment.
• Work closely with the tech organization (product and software engineering) to implement new and improve upon existing tech solutions related to CPI efforts.
• Lead by example and be a champion of all company policies, including safety, attendance & security.

Who You Are:

• 10+ years of proven business leadership experience with a record of delivering results in process improvement, project, and program management, with 3+ years of people management experience in a multi-functional team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to identify inefficiencies in processes/programs and develop effective alternatives to drive better outcomes that enhance capacity, improve cost effectiveness, and drive down costs.
• Proven ability to lead, support and deliver on a large, complex, and varied project management list.
• Experienced in managing procurement functions for critical parts from ideation through end of life including building and maintaining an effective supplier base.
• Collaborative and reliable leader that takes a data driven approach to problem-solving.
• Experience with change management, inheriting teams and bringing them along for the journey, moving with urgency and empowering those around you to do the same.
• Servant leader that resources and supports the team, while holding high expectations and standards.
• Track record of identifying, supporting, developing and advancing internal talent.
• Ability to travel approximately 30% of the time if local to Santa Ana, CA; or up to 75% for non-local candidates.

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $146,095 - $232,713. Actual compensation on this range varies based on a variety of non-discriminatory factors, including location, job level, experience, and skill set. This role may be eligible for bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation, please ask your recruiter for details.

Reasons To Join Us:

• Health Insurance: All full-time employees are eligible to enroll in Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Additional Benefits:Full-time employees are eligible for fertility, commuter, and educational assistance benefits
• 401(K) Matching Plan: We are proud to offer a competitive 401k matching plan to our employees to support their future financial goals
• Vacation: All salaried employees are eligible for flexible time-off
• Holiday Pay: All regular, full-time employees are eligible for ten company paid holidays
• Employee Discounts: Employees receive discounts on select grading services for approved submissions
• Flexible Hours: Many of our teams offer flexible schedules with varying shifts and will work with you to accommodate your needs
• Fun Working Environment: Our team members are invited to participate in celebrations, holiday events, and team building activities

Collectors may use e-verify to validate your ability to work legally in the United States.

We are aware that there are instances where individuals are receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from Collectors or one of our business units. This type of fraud can be carried out through false websites, through fake e-mails claiming to be from the company or through social media. We never ask for personal information such as your bank account, Social Security numbers or National IDs, nor do we send or request payments for the purchase of business-related equipment. If you suspect fraud, please reach out to jobs@collectors.com.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We believe that a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills will better service the diverse community of collectors we support.

If you require an accommodation to apply or interview with us due to a disability or special need, please email people@collectors.com.

U.S. residents: for disclosures relating to personal information we collect during the employment application and recruitment process, please see our Privacy Notice for U.S. Applicants.

Explore other available openings at collectors.com/careers.