Job Title Value Stream Manager Location Cleveland, OH Business Unit Team Wendy About Avon Technologies
We are a world leader in protective equipment with a reputation for innovative design, high-performance quality, and specialist materials expertise. Our two brands, Avon Protection and Team Wendy, supply our respiratory and head protection portfolio to customers across the globe from our manufacturing sites in the UK and North America. With over 900 talented people, our shared purpose and core beliefs are to be FIERCE about Protecting Lives. Its why we come to work - and its what motivates us every day to do the best work we can.
Purpose of Position
We are seeking a Value Stream Manager responsible for overseeing the entire value stream process-from raw materials to delivery of finished products to customers. This role combines operational excellence with business leadership. You will identify opportunities for process improvement, implement Lean manufacturing principles, and drive a culture of continuous improvement. Acting as a mini-CEO for your stream, you will own SQDIP metrics, manage P&L performance, and collaborate across functions to improve efficiency, quality, and profitability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Supervise and coordinate processes and activities of workers engaged in fabrication, assembly, and processing of product. • Own SQDIP metrics and take corrective action for processes not meeting goals. • Drive Kaizen and Lean initiatives, including VSM, SMED, TPM, and 5S to eliminate waste and streamline end-to-end processes. • Lead Tier 2 and Tier 3 meetings, escalate unresolved issues. • Train employees in safe operation of equipment and effective work practices. • Monitor productivity, quality, and workmanship to meet established standards, reduce scrap and rework. • Report KPIs regularly, including OEE, FPY, utilization, scrap, rework efficiency. • Coordinate with Maintenance to prevent unplanned downtime. • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area via 5S methodology. • Ensure accurate material management and reporting. • Participate in new product planning to ensure readiness for launches. • Collaborate under the GAINs NPI process with Product Category Leaders and Engineers to integrate new products or changes seamlessly into the value stream.
Leadership Expectations
• Own the Metrics: Full accountability for SQDIP performance. • Lead from the Floor: Be visible and engaged at the point of work. • Relentless Kaizen: Continuously improve processes and empower team ideas. • Make Progress Visible: Use visual management to communicate goals and improvements. • Act as a Business Owner: Manage resources, costs, and performance with full accountability. • Develop People: Coach, train, and set clear expectations for team growth.
Business Leadership & P&L Ownership
• Act as a mini-CEO for your value stream, owning financial and operational performance, including cost control and margin improvement. • Align operational improvements with commercial objectives to enhance SQDIP metrics. • Partner with Sales, Quality, Sourcing, and Supply Chain to meet customer requirements and profitability targets. • Engage with Sales and Customer Service to translate market needs into operational priorities. • Work with Procurement to secure reliable cost-effective supply and mitigate risks. • Contribute to SIOP and long-term capacity planning. • Identify opportunities to enhance product offerings and competitiveness.
Seamless Product Integration
• Collaborate under the GAINs NPI process with Product Category Leaders and Engineers to introduce new products or changes without disruption.
Required Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED required; degree or relevant certification preferred. • Demonstrated experience and success in a Value Stream leadership role with proven ability to deliver SQDIP improvements. • 5 years of experience in manufacturing leadership roles with Lean expertise. • Demonstrated leadership ability with prior supervisory experience, including multi-shift operations. • Proficient in computer skills, including MS Excel, MS Word, ERP systems. • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present effectively at a high level to senior executives, communicate clearly and motivate production team members, and adapt communication style to all organizational levels.
Performance Metrics
• On-time Delivery: >98% • Scrap Reduction: 40 YoY • Productivity Improvement: 10 YoY • Inventory Turns: >10
What We Offer
• Flexible Schedule • Competitive Compensation Package • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance • 401k Matching • Tuition Reimbursement • Learning and Development Initiatives
Internal Relationships
• Maintenance Team • Operations • Production Department • Facilities Management • Safety and Compliance Department • Engineering and Technical Support • Human Resources • HR • Procurement and Supply Chain • Finance and Budgeting • Senior Management
External Relationships
• Vendors and Suppliers • Contractors • Regulatory Agencies • Industry Associations • Emergency Services • Consultants • Customers or Clients • Local Community
Note: This job description is not intended and should not be construed to be an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary. Responsibilities of this position may include direct and/or indirect physical or logical access to information systems, technologies, subjected to the regulations and compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws.