Value Stream Manager

Kaiser Aluminum is known around the world for its superior quality. Our secret is what we put into it—innovative thinking, industry-leading reliability, and a world-class commitment to customer service. In short, the same qualities we look for in our people. We are looking for a Value Stream Manager (“VSM”) to lead our work at our aluminum extrusion presses at our Kaiser Aluminum Bellwood Virgina plant

The Value Stream Manager will lead the plant automation and manufacturing systems organization (Extrusion), ensuring production equipment is capable of meeting KPI targets on a daily basis. This will be done by focusing on the management and implementation of production and plant facility equipment improvement projects. This includes, but is not limited to, mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic systems, and CMMS (Maximo) implementation. The VSM will report to the Plant Manager and have Production Supervisors that are direct reports.

The Value Stream Manager acts as the liaison between operations and maintenance departments. The VSM understands the needs of production, represents the needs of operations as they relate to scheduled maintenance activities, and works closely with the Operations Manager and Maintenance Manager to ensure proper communication of needs, scheduling of required maintenance and timely execution of related work.

What you will work on:

• Oversee Production personnel, corrective actions, training initiatives, and employee coaching/development.
• Strategy Deployment KPI, TTI & Action Plan Ownership. To seek opportunities to improve machine OEE and identify areas in need of future engineering or system project focus.
• Problem identification and resolution through hands-on problem solving or ongoing employee development.
• Ensure all manufacturing equipment and facilities are capable of performing optimally in order to meet customer demand.
• To monitor and manage (through Maximo) all related tasks.
• To drive continuous improvement.
• To communicate and monitor the daily work habits, and responsibilities of the Personnel in the department.
• Utilize new technology and Lean Manufacturing principals and processes to maximize efficiency (FMEA, Six Sigma, Kaizen, DMAIC Problem Solving, etc.).
• Support plant organization on root cause analysis and permeant corrective action implementation.
• Safely execute the daily/weekly production schedule. Consult with planning team on issues and concerns. Follow the escalation policy for issues that require additional support (Quality, Equipment, Manning, etc.)
• Drive Safety on shift to include: Promptly resolving employee safety concerns. Communicate safety expectation and hold employees accountable. Enforce Safety Rules and Policy, Lead daily/weekly/monthly - pre-shift/ toolbox/shift safety meetings; report and document all safety incidents. Conduct safety dialogues and all required safety field audits.
• Act as supplemental supervision to cover vacations/absenteeism.
• Submit work requests for any department wide maintenance events on a daily basis.
• Identify, communicate and assist in scheduling maintenance requirements with assistance from maintenance planner and leadership.
• Determine priority of necessary maintenance within the plant including shutdown coordination and other related activities.
• Maintain daily meetings with key stakeholders to gather input and make decisions regarding maintenance activities.
• Maintain the housekeeping and 5S requirements in assigned area.
• Maintain integrity of CMMS though discipline of use as it relates to service requests from production.
• Provide regular and ongoing coaching and counselling to employees in accordance with job expectations, performance standards, and results. Recognize achievements and successes and issue corrective action as needed.
• Address personnel issues and concerns. Be knowledgeable of labor contract and assure proper compliance with agreement. Resolve employee issues and concerns and follow grievance procedure timelines. Seek guidance where appropriate or necessary.
• Maintain and develop a good working relationship with the maintenance group, all salary and hourly associates, management, and production leaders.
• Interact with outside contractors of various kinds; especially with equipment OEM's.

What you will bring to the role:

• A four year engineering degree and 5-7 years supervisory experience in heavy manufacturing is required.
• Must have knowledge of manufacturing plant systems: electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, water, and fabrication.
• Minimum of 1-3 years Engineering Management experience.
• Previous Molten Metal, Extrusion processes, and/or Tube Mill equipment experience preferred.
• CMRP certification preferred.
• Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt experience preferred.
• Previous experience with heavily automated manufacturing environments preferred.
• Previous Value Stream Leader experience a plus.
• FMEA Experience preferred.
• Proven ability to work in teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proven ability to prioritize task and resources.
• Industrial equipment maintenance equipment knowledge
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• PC skills, including Windows, Word, and Excel.
• Familiarity with manufacturing software.
• Familiarity with reliability excellence and maintenance best practices preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication skills (written and verbal), and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work in teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Lean Manufacturing, TPM and Value Stream Management knowledge are preferred.
• Knowledge of metal industry and associated business processes is preferred.
• Knowledge of Kronos time keeping and ADP for payroll a plus.

No third-party candidate submissions are being accepted at this time for this opening.

About Kaiser Aluminum: Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing a diverse and inclusive culture. We are strongly committed to expanding inclusion, equity, and diversity -- how we hire, develop, and inspire our diverse team members that reflects and relates to the increasingly multicultural community.