Continuous Improvement Specialist

About Collectors

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.

Interview Process

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.

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.

Position: Continuous Improvement Specialist

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Privacy Policy

Residents of areas outside the United States: Please see the Collectors Global Privacy Policy, located here.