Assembly Value Stream Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Assembly Value Stream Manager

Location: Thomaston, Connecticut
Pay Range: $105-120,000 annually depending on experience - this is negotiable for the right candidate 
Bonus: Up to 10% year-end bonus potential
Schedule: Primarily day shift with required flexibility across all three production shifts
Reports To: Senior Operations Manager

About the Company

We are a global leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative dispensing and packaging solutions used across a wide range of industries, including personal care, beauty, healthcare, and food and beverage. Our products are found in everyday applications around the world, supporting well-known consumer brands with reliable, high-performance dispensing systems.

With a strong focus on engineering excellence, sustainability, and continuous improvement, we operate in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment where quality, safety, and innovation are critical to success. Our teams are built around collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional products to customers worldwide.

About the Role

We are seeking a results-driven Assembly Value Stream Manager to lead a high-performing production area within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for end-to-end ownership of a value stream, ensuring excellence in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and continuous improvement .

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader and change agent who thrives in a lean manufacturing culture and is committed to building engaged teams, driving operational excellence, and delivering measurable business results in alignment with quality system standards and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Own and manage the end-to-end value stream production area
• Ensure alignment with safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives
• Develop and execute daily production schedules in coordination with Supply Chain
• Adjust production capacity based on demand and prioritize machine utilization

Continuous Improvement & Lean Execution

• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to improve labor efficiency and reduce waste
• Drive PDCA and structured problem-solving (root cause analysis and corrective actions)
• Develop and execute industrial performance improvement plans across quality, cost, and safety

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop operators, mechanics, and frontline supervisors
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and results
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and ensure workforce development

Financial & Strategic Management

• Develop and manage budgets and cost control initiatives
• Support annual operating plan development with senior leadership
• Identify and build business cases for capital investments and process improvements
• Maximize asset utilization and drive cost reduction initiatives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering, supply chain, quality, and other departments to achieve plant-wide goals
• Promote a “one plant” mindset to align priorities and execution across teams

Reporting & Compliance

• Deliver accurate daily, weekly, and monthly operational performance reports
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards
• Maintain adherence to production standards and company policies

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred or related technical field
• 5–8 years of experience improving performance in semi-automated assembly or injection molding environments
• Proven leadership experience managing multiple functional teams in high-volume manufacturing
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or A3 problem-solving methodologies
• Experience with ERP systems and production planning tools
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for tracking KPIs and operational trends
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead teams effectively across multiple levels of the organization

What Success Looks Like

• Improved safety, quality, and on-time delivery metrics
• Strong employee engagement and capability development
• Sustained cost reduction and efficiency improvements
• Effective execution of continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong alignment across departments and consistent achievement of production targets

Why This Role Matters

The Assembly Value Stream Manager plays a critical leadership role in driving operational excellence and shaping the long-term success of the manufacturing value stream. This position directly impacts customer satisfaction, plant performance, and organizational growth through disciplined execution and continuous improvement leadership.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

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