Value Stream Team Leader

Kavaliro is seeking a Value Stream Team Leader for our local Jacksonville client who will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations and performance of an assigned hose manufacturing value stream. Working closely with the Plant Manager, this position drives operational excellence through lean manufacturing practices, continuous improvement, employee development, and effective production management.

Direct Reports:
Yes

• Direct daily activities within the assigned value stream to ensure production, quality, delivery, and operational goals are consistently met.
• Identify opportunities to improve production flow, eliminate waste, reduce costs, minimize inventory, and shorten lead times through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles, including pull systems, standardized work, workload leveling, and continuous product flow.
• Coordinate supply chain activities, production control, manufacturing priorities, and communication across all shifts.
• Partner with the Plant Manager to develop and execute future-state value stream plans and track progress toward established objectives.
• Use performance tracking tools, improvement boards, and PDCA methodologies to monitor results and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure standardized processes are followed and updated when improvements or operational changes are implemented.

• Maintain regular communication with value stream associates to identify operational challenges, discuss solutions, and encourage employee involvement in continuous improvement.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and positive team environment through regular meetings, clear expectations, and effective communication.
• Assign responsibilities, coordinate workload, and obtain support from other departments when necessary to maintain smooth operations.
• Develop employee capabilities through cross-training, mentoring, and succession planning to ensure adequate coverage and operational flexibility.
• Encourage employees to identify, address, and resolve problems at the source rather than allowing quality or process issues to continue downstream.
• Support employee goal setting, performance feedback, professional development, and ongoing skills improvement.
• Serve as a positive role model by encouraging innovation, accountability, teamwork, and constructive change.

• Promote a culture where safety, quality, and operational excellence are treated as shared responsibilities.
• Ensure the value stream remains compliant with safety standards, 5S expectations, standardized work procedures, and applicable operating requirements.
• Maintain a visually managed work environment that makes production performance, abnormalities, and improvement opportunities readily apparent.
• Work with team members to identify and correct process issues while emphasizing first-time quality.
• Support initiatives designed to improve product quality, customer satisfaction, and overall manufacturing performance.

• Assist the Plant Manager with value stream budgeting, resource planning, and adherence to financial targets.
• Review operational reports and performance metrics to identify trends, opportunities, and potential issues.
• Utilize applicable manufacturing, workforce management, and information systems to monitor operations and access required information.
• Participate in employment decisions, performance assessments, and other personnel-related activities for assigned associates.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external contacts as needed to support value stream objectives.

• Bachelor's degree in a technical, engineering, business, manufacturing, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six or more years of relevant professional experience with a demonstrated ability to successfully perform the responsibilities of the position.
• At least two years of experience in a team leadership role, or demonstrated experience leading significant projects or programs in a team-based environment.
• Manufacturing or aerospace industry experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, improving processes, and delivering measurable operational results.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production processes, products, technology, and general business…