Value Stream Leader - Lean Ops for High-Precision Optics

CVI Infrared Optics; Whetstone; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CVI Infrared Optics, part of IDEX MSS, seeks a Value Stream Leader to own a critical manufacturing value stream in advanced optical production for aerospace, defence and industrial markets. You will lead production teams, engineers and coordinators, and drive performance across safety, quality, cost and delivery.

This role emphasizes Lean principles, people development and continuous improvement in a high‑precision environment, with responsibility for operations excellence and customer

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading teams within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience.
• Demonstrated success in driving operational performance and process improvements.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering drawings and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day performance of a manufacturing value stream, ensuring safety, quality, cost and delivery objectives.
• Own value stream P&L performance and drive improvements in productivity and profitability.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams including production personnel, engineers and coordinators.
• Monitor KPIs and take actions to improve OTD, lead times, yields and quality.
• Apply Lean, Value Stream Mapping and Kaizen to remove waste and improve cycle time.
• Establish future-state flows to support growth and customer needs.
• Implement 5S standards across manufacturing and cleanroom environments.
• Support NPI, efficient layouts, equipment utilisation and capacity.
• Drive root cause investigations and corrective actions for quality and scrap reduction.
• Develop people, coach teams, and promote accountability and collaboration.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Thinking

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations/Business)

Job description

CVI Infrared Optics, part of IDEX MSS, seeks a Value Stream Leader to own a critical manufacturing value stream in advanced optical production for aerospace, defence and industrial markets. You will lead production teams, engineers and coordinators, and drive performance across safety, quality, cost and delivery.

This role emphasizes Lean principles, people development and continuous improvement in a high‑precision environment, with responsibility for operations excellence and customer