Value Stream Manager

“CVI Infrared Optics is a part of the IDEX Materials, Science and Solutions (MSS) platform. Besides our unique capabilities in manufacturing large optics from visible to longwave, we are backed by the combined capabilities of our platform. CVI offers a full spectrum of optical engineering, manufacturing, and assembly expertise. Together we can support all our customers with more engineering expertise, broader capabilities, and extensive manufacturing resources.

Since 1982, CVI Infrared Optics has been manufacturing advanced optical components for high performance optronics systems. We have become the leading experts in manufacturing and integration of large optics from visible, and near infrared, to longwave infrared, that can continuously perform in extreme weather climates and harsh conditions.

When you need robust optical components and assembly expertise for your mission critical application, we can provide world-class solutions.“

CVI is seeking an experienced and driven Value Stream Leader to join our Operations team. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a critical manufacturing value stream within a world-class photonics and infrared optics business serving demanding aerospace, defence and industrial markets.

As a Value Stream Manager/Leader, you will be responsible for driving operational performance, continuous improvement and team development across a highly specialised manufacturing environment. You will lead production teams, engineers and coordinators while taking accountability for operational delivery, quality, cost, safety and customer satisfaction.

This role is ideal for a manufacturing leader with a passion for Lean principles, people leadership and continuous improvement who thrives in a technically advanced production environment.

• Manage the day-to-day performance of a manufacturing value stream, ensuring delivery against safety, quality, cost and delivery objectives.
• Take ownership of value stream P&L performance and drive improvements in productivity, efficiency and profitability.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams including production personnel, engineers and coordinators.
• Monitor operational KPIs and implement actions to improve On-Time Delivery (OTD), lead times, yields and quality performance.

• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping and 80/20 principles to identify and eliminate waste.
• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, throughput improvement and process stability.
• Establish future-state manufacturing flows that support business growth and customer requirements.
• Implement and sustain 5S standards across manufacturing and cleanroom environments.

• Support manufacturing operations covering precision fabrication, optical coating, assembly and inspection activities.
• Work closely with Engineering teams to support New Product Introduction (NPI) and efficient production layouts.
• Help maximise equipment utilisation and manufacturing capacity while reducing bottlenecks.
• Support the maintenance, calibration and effective operation of manufacturing equipment.

• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO standards and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions relating to quality and scrap reduction.
• Drive a culture of quality-focused manufacturing and continuous process improvement.
• Maintain audit readiness across the value stream at all times.

• Coach, mentor and develop team members to achieve high performance.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning.
• Cross-train employees to…