Value Stream Manufacturing Manager

Location: Long Island, NY (Onsite) – relocation assistance provided

About the Role

Hands-on operational leadership role overseeing a significant portion of the manufacturing operation, including people, safety, quality, productivity, and performance. This position is the cornerstone of a newly established private equity-backed platform with secured customer growth and heavy investment in operational excellence. Ideal for a manufacturing leader with Lean transformation experience in a high-growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day execution of manufacturing operations to ensure customer demand, production schedules, and shipping commitments are consistently achieved.
• Facilitate Tier 1 and Tier 2 daily management meetings and conduct regular Gemba walks to reinforce operational standards and identify improvement opportunities.
• Monitor critical performance indicators including safety, quality, delivery, labor utilization, machine capacity, and WIP to proactively address operational risks.
• Develop and maintain Value Stream Maps to eliminate waste and reduce production lead times.
• Identify and manage production constraints by optimizing labor allocation, tooling availability, equipment utilization, and maintenance priorities.
• Balance staffing and machine capacity to maximize throughput while maintaining schedule adherence.
• Partner closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Lead Kaizen events focused on measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, lead time, cost, and operational performance.
• Drive Lean initiatives utilizing SMED, Standard Work, Visual Management, Cellular Manufacturing, mistake-proofing, and waste elimination techniques.
• Develop and sustain visual management systems, performance dashboards, and escalation processes that promote operational accountability.
• Improve first-pass yield while reducing scrap and rework throughout the manufacturing process.
• Lead structured root cause investigations and ensure corrective actions are effectively implemented and sustained.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality teams to resolve nonconformances and strengthen overall process capability.
• Coordinate daily production activities to meet customer requirements and business objectives.
• Forecast labor and equipment capacity requirements while working with Supply Chain to adjust production plans as business priorities evolve.
• Lead, mentor, and develop supervisors, team leaders, and production associates.
• Foster a culture centered on accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Build a highly capable, cross-trained workforce through coaching, onboarding, and ongoing employee development.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a manufacturing leadership role, preferably in precision machining for medical device, aerospace, or defense components.
• Strong background in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies (Kaizen, SMED, Standard Work, Visual Management, etc.).
• Experience leading teams in a high-mix, low-volume production environment.
• Ability to optimize labor allocation, tooling availability, equipment utilization, and maintenance priorities.
• Track record of improving first-pass yield, reducing scrap/rework, and enhancing process capability.
• Collaborative approach to working with Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills to develop a cross-trained, high-performing workforce.

Team & Structure

• Reports to: Director, Manufacturing Operations
• Direct reports: 3-4 Team Leaders
• Total team: ~85 associates across two shifts
• Departments overseen: CNC Milling, Turning, Grinding, Gear Cutting, and Manual Machining

Pay

$130,000 to $140,000 base salary plus 10-15% target annual bonus (tied to goals, delivery, and company performance).

Benefits & Growth

• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates with an established connection to the region or currently located on the East Coast.
• Opportunity to join a newly established private equity-backed platform with significant customer growth and investment in operational excellence.
• Career advancement potential as the business scales, with leadership actively building a world-class manufacturing organization.
• Collaborative culture that values continuous improvement, accountability, and respect for an experienced workforce.