Value Stream Manager

Our client is your go-to partner for all precision machining and fabrication needs.

The Role

You are accountable for On-Time Delivery (OTD), First-Time Quality (FTQ), throughput, and labor productivity across your entire stream, from raw material to shipment. This role exists to build a predictable, high-performing production system, not manage chaos.

What You Own

1. End-to-End Value Stream Accountability

• Full ownership of your value stream performance: OTD (target: ≥95%), FTQ (target: ≥95%), Lead time, and WIP flow and inventory turns
• Accountable from raw material release → machining/fabrication → inspection → shipment
• Drive daily execution to meet customer commit dates, no surprises

2. Daily Management & Tier System Leadership

• Lead Tier 1–3 execution within your value stream
• Ensure: Visual management is accurate and real-time, Past due orders have clear recovery plans with dates, and Problems are escalated and resolved within 24 hours
• Own SQDC P boards and drive discipline in daily accountability

3. Operational Excellence (Lean Execution)

• Implement and sustain: Standard Work (operator supervisor), 5S with sustainment discipline, and Flow and pull systems where applicable
• Lead A3 problem solving on all major misses (OTD, FTQ, productivity)
• Eliminate waste in: Setup time, Machine utilization, and Material movement
• Drive improvements in cycle time, queue time, and changeover

4. Capacity, Throughput & Labor Efficiency

• Own man-to-machine ratios and labor deployment
• Ensure machines are: Scheduled ahead for both shifts and Running to standard cycle times
• Partner with Planning to align: Capacity vs. demand and Workforce vs. load
• Drive throughput to meet daily shipment targets

5. Quality Ownership (FTQ Culture)

• Own quality performance, not delegate it
• Ensure: Jobs run right the first time and Rework and scrap are aggressively reduced
• Partner with Quality on: Root cause and corrective actions and Process standardization
• Build a zero-defect mindset at the source

6. Material Flow & Execution

• Ensure clean flow of material: No bottlenecks between processes and No hidden WIP
• Partner with Materials/Planning to ensure: Raw material availability and Outside processing is aligned
• Drive visual control of WIP across the floor

7. Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead supervisors, leads, and operators with clarity and accountability
• Set the expectation: Problems are surfaced, not hidden and Standards are followed, every shift, every day
• Develop your team: Coaching on Lean, problem-solving, and execution discipline
• Maintain a safe, organized, high-performance environment

8. Commercial & Engineering Alignment

• Partner with Sales & Engineering to: Execute high-priority jobs and Ensure manufacturability and flow
• Support quoting feedback: Cycle times, Capacity constraints, and Process improvements

What Success Looks Like (First 6–12 Months)

• OTD stabilized and trending toward ≥95%
• FTQ improved with visible reduction in rework/scrap
• Tier system running with discipline (no firefighting culture)
• Clear visibility of: WIP, Capacity, Throughput
• Standard work implemented and followed across shifts

Experience

• 5 years leading operations in Precision machining and fabrication
• Proven track record improving OTD, FTQ, and Throughput

Leadership Style

• Gemba-first leader, lives on the shop floor
• Drives accountability, not activity
• Comfortable holding standards and pushing performance

Technical Strength

• Strong knowledge of: CNC machining (mills, lathes, multi-axis) and Fabrication / laser cutting (preferred)
• Experience with ERP systems (JobBOSS, Epicor, SAP, or similar)
• Understands routing, cycle time, and capacity planning

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred
• Lean / Six Sigma certification strongly preferred