Value Stream / Continuous Improvement Leader

Job Title: Value Stream / Continuous Improvement Leader
Department: Operations / Manufacturing
Reports To: Plant Manager or Operations Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: [Insert Location]

Position Summary

The Value Stream / Continuous Improvement Leader is responsible for overseeing the performance, productivity, and profitability of assigned value streams while leading continuous improvement initiatives across operations. This role combines hands-on leadership of cross-functional teams with a strong focus on Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and waste elimination to achieve operational excellence, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Value Stream Leadership

• Lead the operational performance of assigned value streams, ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are met or exceeded.

• Coordinate workflow and resources across functions (production, quality, engineering, supply chain) to ensure seamless execution.

• Monitor performance metrics (KPIs) and take corrective actions to address deviations from targets.

• Facilitate daily tier meetings to align teams on priorities, problem-solving, and accountability.

• Ensure customer requirements are met through effective scheduling, resource planning, and quality assurance.

Continuous Improvement Leadership

• Develop, implement, and sustain Lean / Six Sigma initiatives across value streams.

• Lead Kaizen events, 5S programs, root cause analysis (RCA), and other CI tools to drive measurable improvements.

• Partner with leadership and frontline employees to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities.

• Train, mentor, and coach team members on Lean principles and problem-solving methodologies.

• Analyze data and implement process changes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize flow.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering to support new product introductions and process validation.

• Work closely with supply chain to optimize material flow and inventory levels.

• Collaborate with quality to address non-conformance issues and strengthen preventive systems.

• Support HR in developing skill matrices, training programs, and team capability building.

Safety, Compliance & Culture

• Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.

• Promote employee engagement, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, ISO standards, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or related field (preferred).

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, value stream management, or process improvement leadership.

• Proven track record in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies.

• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume, or complex manufacturing environment preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development skills.

• Ability to analyze complex data and translate into actionable plans.

• Excellent facilitation and communication skills for all organizational levels.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and data visualization tools; ERP/MRP experience preferred.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification strongly preferred.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safety incident rate reduction.

• Achievement of OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) targets.

• Reduction in lead time and WIP inventory.

• Cost savings from CI initiatives.

• Employee engagement and participation in improvement projects.

If you want, I can also prepare a version in your standard job description format so it matches the style youve used for roles like your Continuous Improvement / Metal Supervisor posting. That way, its consistent for recruiting and internal posting.

Do you want me to format it that way next?

You said:

add metal mechanic/supervisor experience also

ChatGPT said:

Got it heres the Value Stream / Continuous Improvement Leader job description revised to also emphasize metal fabrication / metal mechanic / supervisor experience, so it blends value stream leadership, CI, and metal shop operations into one role.

Job Title: Value Stream / Continuous Improvement Leader (Metal Fabrication)
Department: Operations / Manufacturing
Reports To: Plant Manager or Operations Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: [Insert Location]

Position Summary

The Value Stream / Continuous Improvement Leader (Metal Fabrication) is responsible for overseeing operational performance, productivity, and profitability of assigned value streams in the metal fabrication department while driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role combines hands-on leadership of production teams with expertise in metalworking processes and Lean manufacturing methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Key Responsibilities

Value Stream & Production Leadership

• Lead daily operations in assigned value streams, including welding, cutting, machining, press brake operations, and assembly.

• Manage production schedules to meet customer requirements and ensure on-time delivery.

• Oversee a team of metal mechanics, welders, machinists, and fabricators, ensuring proper training, skill development, and adherence to work instructions.

• Conduct daily tier meetings to review KPIs, address production issues, and align resources.

• Monitor and maintain workflow, material flow, and labor allocation to maximize productivity.

Continuous Improvement Leadership

• Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

• Facilitate Kaizen events, 5S, visual management, and root cause problem-solving to eliminate waste and optimize processes.

• Partner with engineering to develop and refine fabrication processes and tooling.

• Implement standard work, process documentation, and quality control measures specific to metal fabrication operations.

• Analyze production data to identify trends and recommend process changes.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company quality standards, ISO requirements, and customer specifications for fabricated metal products.

• Enforce safety protocols, PPE usage, and OSHA compliance, especially in welding, cutting, and material handling areas.

• Drive a safety-first culture through training, hazard identification, and corrective actions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with supply chain to ensure timely delivery of raw materials, components, and tooling.

• Work with maintenance teams to ensure preventive maintenance schedules are met for fabrication equipment.

• Collaborate with HR on recruiting, training, and skill development for shop personnel.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.

• 5+ years in a metal fabrication/manufacturing leadership role with direct supervisory responsibilities.

• Proven track record of implementing Lean/CI methodologies in a fabrication or machining environment.

• Strong knowledge of welding, machining, forming, and assembly processes.

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership skills with the ability to coach and develop teams.

• Proficient in interpreting blueprints, engineering drawings, and welding symbols.

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.

• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) preferred.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time delivery performance.

• Reduction in scrap, rework, and defects.

• Productivity improvements and labor efficiency gains.

• Cost savings achieved through CI projects.

• Employee engagement and retention in production teams.