What is the job?
As Value Stream Manager, you will lead and drive improvement through two assembly manufacturing value streams; ensuring manufacturing targets are reliably achieved, continuous improvement is an always‑on activity and overall operational excellence (LEAN manufacturing) is established and maintained.
Working Hours:
Monday – Thursday 7:30am - 16:30pm, Friday 7:30am - 13:00pm
Department:
Tables Accessories
Interview process:
3 stage process following shortlisting
Who we are?
Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture of a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.
Where you will be working?
Our purpose‑built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.
What is essential to us…
* Level 5 Vocational Qualifications, Higher National Diploma (HND) or equivalent experience or qualifications.
* Minimum 3 years’ management experience in a manufacturing environment
* A good understanding of LEAN manufacturing techniques, quality improvement and associated people strategies required to drive and sustain change.
* An understanding of MRP/ERP data systems as applied to production to ensure optimal end to end Value Streams with minimal waste.
* A sound understanding of improvement techniques such as Value Stream Process Mapping and Visual Management systems.
* Experienced in troubleshooting and finding root causes and solutions for technical problems.
* Organised and able to manage multiple projects concurrently.
* Flexibility to adapt working hours when required to support collaboration between shifts.
* Ability to coach and mentor teams and individuals
* Strong communication skills with the ability to train, coach, mentor and present new ideas.
What we would like you to do/ to see…
Leadership – 40%
* Communicate goals and objectives to team members ensuring optimal deployment of all resources.
* Set hiring strategies and ensure performance appraisals are carried out effectively along with any training requirements.
* Develop strategies to promote adherence to company and industry best practice.
* Conduct Return to Work interviews and invoke disciplinary actions (warnings, performance improvement plans, etc.) when required.
* Follow the Leader Standard Work and fully engage in the process of accountability through regular audits.
* Conduct motivational Tier meetings and to communicate targets and strategies effectively to manufacturing teams.
* To ensure appropriate operating principles, work instructions and standard work are followed by the operators in keeping with continuous improvement of said processes.
* Training and mentoring of the team, ensuring knowledge gaps and training needs are identified and managed.
* Continually identify and develop skills of team members.
* Responsible for the Health & Safety of your work area and your team members. Including, the review and upkeep of all risk assessments, identifying H&S training requirements, and providing inductions to new team members. Dealing with PPE issues and H&S breaches, undertaking regular H&S inspections and accident reporting - this would include supporting and/or leading accident investigations.
Functional – 60%
* Redesign production systems as appropriate to support pull-based flow of materials
* Work with shop floor leadership to establish up to date SOPs (including Leader Standard Work) and associated training records with particular attention to creating, auditing and amending risk assessments, SSOWs, work instructions and standard work.
* Ensure stock accuracy best practices are followed by all personnel that ‘touch’ inventory in all forms.
* Work collaboratively with BU Leader to ensure operational excellence in terms of People, Process, Product Quality and Efficiency.
* Collaborate with BU Leader to drive the introduction and maintenance of a Lean Management System
* Ensure shop floor production staff are adhering to best practice manufacturing processes as dictated by the Lean Management System.
* Collaborate closely with production planning and purchasing to ensure a load balanced end to end production flow.
* Design and carry out total productive maintenance routines.
* Troubleshoot and conduct root cause analysis in the case of a disruption to the value stream.
What will you get?
At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.
And the benefits are?
Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
Job Reference:
THOR-VC-1565
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa. We are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.
We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.
*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.
Contributed Pension Scheme, Group Life Cover, Private Health Care, Group Income Protection & more.
Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail recruitment@thorlabs.com.
We are Disability Confident Committed.
In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr