Job Description

** SUMMARY**

The Value Stream Manager is responsible for overseeing the full scope of manufacturing operations within a defined value stream, including machining and assembly activities. This role ensures that safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and employee engagement. The Value Stream Manager leads a team of front-line supervisors and works cross-functionally with engineering, quality, maintenance, and supply chain to drive operational excellence. In a unionized environment, this role requires strong leadership and collaboration skills to effectively manage personnel and labor relations in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the end-to-end value stream, including machine shop and assembly operations
• Supervise and develop a team of front-line production supervisors; provide coaching, performance feedback, and support in day-to-day management
• Ensure production targets are met for safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC)
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments (Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, etc.) to ensure operational alignment and problem resolution
• Drive daily production meetings, root cause analysis, and short-interval control to maintain schedule adherence
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed
• Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S tools
• Champion employee engagement and accountability, while maintaining a positive labor-management relationship in a unionized setting
• Support effective communication of policies, procedures, and company goals to the shop floor
• Ensure compliance with safety policies, OSHA regulations, and environmental standards
• Manage staffing, training, and development within the value stream, including cross-training to improve workforce flexibility
• Participate in labor relations activities such as grievance responses, investigations, and contract compliance
• Oversee material flow, inventory levels, and visual management within the value stream
• Ensure value stream’s conformance to Quality Management Systems (QMS) and ISO
• Partner with HR and other departments on hiring, performance management, and disciplinary processes
• Lead operational readiness for new product introductions, equipment installations, or process changes
• Prepare and present value stream performance updates to senior leadership
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of plant goals and objectives

Qualifications

** REQUIREMENTS**

• Minimum of associate’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, business, or related field; bachelor’s degree preferred

• Minimum 3 years of experience in leadership role within a manufacturing environment

• Production planning and/or production scheduling experience preferred

• Experience managing front-line supervisors and leading diverse teams in a unionized environment

• Strong knowledge of machining and assembly processes in a heavy manufacturing setting

• Proven ability to lead and implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Experience interpreting and operating within a collective bargaining agreement

• Solid understanding of safety standards, quality systems, and operational metrics

• Proficiency in ERP systems, Microsoft Office (including Excel), and production reporting tools

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities under pressure

• Ability to work flexible hours and support multiple shifts as needed

Additional Information

** PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT**

• Ability to frequently stand, walk, and move throughout the production floor for extended periods of time
• Must be able to occasionally bend, stoop, reach, and climb stairs or ladders as required
• Ability to lift, carry, and move items up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Must be able to tolerate working in a manufacturing environment, including exposure to noise, dust, grease, heat, and varying temperatures
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed shoes, and other gear as required by the work area
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends to support multiple shifts or production demands
• Visual acuity to read blueprints, reports, and computer screens and to inspect parts and materials
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a loud production environment

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with federal, state, or local law.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

Kennedy Valve Co. is a drug-free workplace and reserves the right to perform substance abuse testing as needed. Kennedy Valve is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. Kennedy Valve will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (IA - gender identity), (CA - gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.