Value Stream Leader - Optics & Photonics Manufacturing

IDEX; Whetstone; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CVI Infrared Optics, part of the IDEX MSS platform, is seeking a Value Stream Leader to own a critical manufacturing value stream. You will drive operational performance, lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver on safety, quality and delivery goals in a high-precision optics environment.

You will apply Lean principles, coach teams and develop a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring robust processes from fabrication to inspection and maintaining audit readiness.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in a manufacturing setting.
• Proven Lean Manufacturing & CI experience.
• Track record of improving productivity, quality, cost and delivery.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, drawings and quality systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day performance of the manufacturing value stream, meeting safety, quality, cost and delivery targets.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Value Stream Mapping and kaizen events.
• Optimize processes across fabrication, coating, assembly and inspection.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and drive root-cause investigations.
• Develop and mentor teams, promoting accountability and cross-training.

Skills

Team leadership

Lean manufacturing

Operational performance

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Manufacturing processes

Multi-priority management

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations or Business degree

Job description

CVI Infrared Optics, part of the IDEX MSS platform, is seeking a Value Stream Leader to own a critical manufacturing value stream. You will drive operational performance, lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver on safety, quality and delivery goals in a high-precision optics environment.

You will apply Lean principles, coach teams and develop a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring robust processes from fabrication to inspection and maintaining audit readiness.