Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job description

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 trading cards, autographs, comic books, coins, video games, event tickets, and memorabilia. Our subsidiaries include PSA, PCGS, Beckett, SGC, and Card Ladder. Since our founding in 1986, we have graded and authenticated millions of items. We employ more than 3000 people across our headquarters in Santa Ana, California and offices in New Jersey, Texas, Florida, Japan, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and France. As part of our interview process, we request that candidates have their cameras on during video interviews. This helps foster meaningful conversation and allows us to create an experience that closely resembles our standard working environment. Certain interview steps may take place by phone. For remote roles, and at our discretion, candidates may be asked to participate in an on-site interview as part of the final stages of the process. We understand there may be occasional circumstances requiring accommodation and are happy to discuss them as needed. Your recruiter will be able to clarify expectations and answer any questions you have. コレクターズ（Collectors）は、世界中のコレクターの皆様に付加価値の高いサービスを提供する、革新的なテクノロジーのリーディングカンパニーです。私たちは、数百万点に及ぶ記録的な価値を持つコレクターズアイテムのグレーディング、真贋鑑定、保管、および販売を行っています。また、コレクターの皆様が自身の情熱を追求できるよう支援するというというミッションのもと、これらのプロセスの近代化とデジタル化にも注力しています。現在、成長を続ける私たちのチームに加わっていただける人材を常に募集しています。 当社のサービス対象は、トレーディングカード、サイン、コミック、コイン、ビデオゲーム、イベントチケット、メモラビリアなど多岐にわたります。主な傘下ブランドには、PSA、PCGS、Beckett、SGC、Card Ladderが含まれます。 1986年の創業以来、私たちは数百万点ものアイテムのグレーディング、と真贋鑑定を行ってきました。カリフォルニア州サンタアナの本社に加え、ニュージャージー、テキサス、フロリダ、日本、上海、香港、カナダ、メキシコ、ドイツ、フランスに拠点を構え、合計3,000名以上の従業員が活躍しています。 当社の面接プロセスの一環として、ビデオ面接の際はカメラをオンにしていただくようお願いしております。これにより、より充実した対話を促し、実際の職場環境に近い環境を再現するためです。なお、選考の段階によっては電話で実施する場合もございます。また、リモートワークの職種においても、弊社の判断により、選考の最終段階としてオンサイトでの面接をお願いする場合がございます。 状況によりは特別な配慮が必要となる場合があることも承知しておりますので、必要に応じて個別にご相談にのって承ります。詳細なプロセスやご期待に沿えるか等の確認につきましては、採用担当者からご説明いたしますので、ご不明な点がございましたらお気軽にご質問ください。 About PSA PSA is the world’s largest trading card, autograph and memorabilia authentication and grading service, Since its inception in 1991, PSA has certified over 40 million cards and collectibles with a cumulative declared value of over a billion dollars. Collectors Universe Japan GK which was established in 2018, provides PSA services to the Japanese market. As the only third-party grading service provider in Japan, PSA has emerged as the dominant leader in authentication and grading for trading cards in the region. PSAについて Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) は世界最大そして最も信頼されている第三者トレーディングカード真贋鑑定・グレーディングサービス会社です。1991年の創業以来、PSAは4,000万枚以上のカードと1,000億円以上の累計申告価格の収集品を鑑定してきました。日本では、2018年に設立されたCOLLECTORS UNIVERSE JAPAN合同会社を通じて、PSAのサービスを提供しています。日本国内で唯一の第三者グレーディングサービスプロバイダーとして、PSAはトレーディングカードの真贋鑑定およびグレーディング分野において、国内市場で確固たるリーダー的地位を築いています。 We’re looking for a Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive operational excellence culture by leading improvement efforts that strengthen how the organization operates. Building on established continuous improvement skills, you will independently manage moderate scope initiatives, analyze process and performance data, and recommend practical solutions that improve efficiency, quality, cost effectiveness, and risk control. You will apply professional judgment within established guidelines and play an active role in improving and sustaining enterprise processes and performance standards. You’ll report to the Director, Operations and work onsite from our Tokyo office. What You’ll Do: Continuous Improvement & Business Operations: Lead analysis of end-to-end business processes using Value Stream Mapping (VSM), DMAIC, and related methodologies to identify inefficiencies, risks, and improvement opportunities across functions Independently execute assigned continuous improvement initiatives, determining appropriate analytical methods, adapting standard approaches as needed, and recommending sustainable, data-driven solutions Plan and facilitate structured improvement events (e.g., Kaizen workshops), including defining scope, coordinating cross-functional participation, and documenting outcomes and controls to improve safety, quality, service, cost and people engagement Develop, refine, and maintain standard work, SOPs, and process documentation to support consistent operating practices, compliance, and performance improvement Project management: Demonstrated experience managing small to mid-sized projects from initiation through completion, including scope definition, timeline development, and resource coordination Working knowledge of project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches); PMP or CAPM certification a plus Proven ability to develop and manage project plans, track milestones, and proactively identify/resolve risks or roadblocks Experience coordinating cross-functional stakeholders to keep initiatives on schedule and within budget Familiarity with project management/tracking tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Asana, Jira, or similar) Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives while balancing competing priorities and deadlines Data Analysis & Decision Support: Define and refine KPIs and performance measurement frameworks; analyze operational and financial data to evaluate trends, improvement results, capacity, and productivity Prepare dashboards, analyses, business cases, and ROI estimates that support leadership decision-making and prioritization Perform workflow, timebased, and process analyses to inform optimization recommendations and support planning activities Advisory, Judgment & Planning: Provide professional, consultative guidance to managers on process design, improvement strategies, and operational controls Exercise judgment within established policies and procedures to prioritize improvement opportunities, interpret results, and recommend courses of action aligned with organizational goals Support planning, tracking, and reporting of improvement initiatives, including timelines, resource needs, and budget inputs for assigned work Collaboration & Communication: Build productive working relationships with operational teams, support functions, and external vendors to resolve issues and implement improvement solutions Communicate complex analytical findings clearly and concisely to non-technical audiences, including leaders and cross-functional stakeholders Contribute to capability building by supporting training materials, best practice documentation, and knowledge sharing related to continuous improvement methodologies Who You Are: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience Typically requires a minimum of 2 years of related experience, or an advanced degree with limited professional experience Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred; required within a defined period if not already obtained Applies developing professional expertise in continuous improvement, analytics, and business operations to resolve a variety of operational issues Exercises discretion and independent judgment within defined procedures to address problems of moderate scope and recommend improvements Works with minimal day-to-day supervision; receives general direction on new or complex assignments, with work reviewed for quality, effectiveness, and alignment with objectives Strong analytical and problem solving skills applied to moderately complex business operations Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau) Ability to exercise professional judgment and provide standard advisory recommendations within established frameworks Effective written and verbal communication skills for preparing analyses, reports, and presentations Candidates must be authorized to work in Japan. Reasons To Join Us: Social Insurance: All full-time employees are eligible for Employee Pension, Health Insurance, Workers Accident Insurance, Employment Insurance Paid Leaves: Our employees qualify for annual leaves and special leaves in accordance with the Company’s Rules of Employment Allowances: Employees are also offered commutation allowance in accordance with the Company’s Rules of Employment Benefits: Defined Contribution Pension Plan, Group Life Insurance, Group Long-Term Disability Insurance Employee Discounts: Employees receive discounts on select grading services for approved submissions Fun Working Environment: Our team members are invited to participate in celebrations, holiday events, and team-building activities 福利厚生: 社会保険：厚生年金、健康保険、労災保険、雇用保険 有給休暇：当社就業規則に基づき、年次休暇及び特別休暇の付与 諸手当：当社就業規則に基づき、通勤手当を支給 福利厚生：確定拠出年金制度（DC）、団体生命保険（GLI）、団体所得補償保険（GLTD） 従業員割引: 従業員が鑑定サービスを申し込む場合に割引料金が適用（要承認） 明るく楽しい職場環境: 祭事や祝日の行事をはじめ、チームビルディングなど様々な行事への招待 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. 当社は、人種、肌の色、民族性、家系、宗教、出身国、性別、セクシュアリティ、性自認または性表現、性的指向、年齢、市民権、婚姻状況や育児の有無、障がいの有無、退役軍人であるか否か、その他適用される法律で保護されるあらゆる属性にかかわらず、すべての方に平等な雇用の機会を提供することを約束します。さまざまな背景、視点、スキルを持つチームこそが、当社が支援する多様なコレクターコミュニティに対して、より良いサービスを提供できると信じています。 Residents of areas outside the United States: Please see the Collectors Global Privacy Policy, located here .