Paul Smith | Director

Paul specializes in lean management, process analysis and optimization, and continuous improvement practices.

Paul received his training in lean management directly from Japanese industry, and shares this knowledge through lean management consulting and kaizen training programs for Shinka Management’s global client base, and lean manufacturing study tours run in Japan.

Paul has a track record working in multilingual environments with operations spanning multiple regions and cultures. He has undertaken assignments involving market investigation, joint venture planning and negotiation, feasibility studies and research and development programs.

Paul’s industry experience spans water, construction, mining, manufacturing, software and international trade. As a civil engineer and in a regional manager capacity for an Australian multinational, Paul led innovative infrastructure planning programs for government utility clients across the Asia Pacific.

Paul is fluent in Japanese and completed a PhD and Masters at Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Engineering under a Government of Japan scholarship. Paul is passionate about trade relations with Japan and chaired the Japan Australia Business Council of South Australia from 2007 through 2013.

Expertise

Lean management, process analysis and optimisation
Australia-Japan trade relations
Civil engineering and project management
Market feasibility, marketing strategy and business development
Business-level Japanese proficiency (JLPT level 1)

Experience

Shinka Management – Director

Lead for lean manufacturing consulting projects and training engagements supporting Shinka Management clients in multiple regions and industries. Leader of lean study tours and kaizen training courses held in Japan. Facilitator of Shinka Management’s Japanese business culture training program.

Inside Infrastructure – Associate

Civil engineer consulting on capital planning and asset management projects for water utility and mining clients within Australia.

Optimatics – Regional Manager Asia Pacific

Responsible for delivery of projects, client services, business development and technical marketing for Australia, New Zealand and Asia markets. Project managed engagements focused on process modelling and operations optimisation.

Stockport Civil – Site Engineer

Project management and site engineer roles for civil construction projects in Northern Queensland and South Australia.

Japan Australia Business Council of SA – Chair

Chair from 2007 to 2013, working with a knowledgeable group of locals and engaging with industry and government to develop and support bilateral trade with Japan. This organization has been renamed Australia Japan Business Council of SA as of 2019.

Other Shinka Management Team Members