Value Stream Team Leader

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. The Team Leader is accountable for maintaining a safe and efficient work environment while improving quality, customer service, productivity, cost performance, inventory levels, and production lead times. This role provides hands-on leadership to the value stream team and ensures daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual operational objectives are achieved.

Leadership & Scope

Direct Reports: Yes This position provides leadership and direction to associates within the assigned value stream, including involvement in hiring and employment decisions, performance evaluations, employee development, and day-to-day workforce management. The Team Leader is responsible for coordinating the overall activities of the value stream, including workforce development, production priorities, budgeting, resource utilization, decision-making, and performance management. The role works closely with the Plant Manager, Floor Leads, and cross-functional teams to ensure operational decisions are implemented quickly and effectively.

Essential Responsibilities

• 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.

Team Leadership & Employee Development

• 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.

Safety, Quality & Workplace Standards

• 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.

Business & Administrative Support

• 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.

Qualifications Education & Experience

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production processes, products, technology, and general business practices.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement principles.
• Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams and develop individual employee capabilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate processes and identify opportunities for automation or efficiency improvements.
• Ability to interpret operational reports, performance metrics, and other business data to support informed decision-making.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to establish priorities, build accountability, and maintain team engagement.
• Comfortable introducing new ideas, leading organizational change, and encouraging employees to embrace continuous improvement.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with employees, leadership, cross-functional teams, and external contacts.
• Proficiency with job-specific software, employee self-service platforms, email, and other automated business systems.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork, professional development, goal setting, and performance improvement.

Physical & Work Requirements

The position requires the ability to regularly walk and stand, as well as sit for extended periods when performing administrative or computer-based responsibilities. The employee must have sufficient manual dexterity to operate equipment and perform tasks requiring frequent use of the hands. Close vision and the ability to visually inspect products, equipment, and work areas are required. Regular attendance and the ability to work cooperatively and professionally with others are essential. The position may occasionally require lifting or moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Kavaliro provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Kavaliro is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Kavaliro will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please respond to this posting to connect with a company representative.