Value Stream Manager

Fortress Recruit are working with a leading defence engineering and manufacturing organisation to recruit an experienced Production Value Stream Manager to join their growing Operations team based in Poole.

This is a newly created leadership role providing operational leadership across designated manufacturing value streams. You'll be responsible for leading the Production Leads, driving performance across multiple production cells and ensuring delivery, quality and efficiency targets are consistently achieved.

Working within a highly regulated engineering environment, you'll play a key role in developing people, embedding continuous improvement and supporting the wider operational strategy as the business continues to grow.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the day to day operations across allocated manufacturing value streams and production cells
• Manage, coach and develop Production Leads to build high performing teams
• Ensure production plans are delivered safely, efficiently and on schedule
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles
• Improve productivity, reduce waste and optimise manufacturing processes
• Monitor production performance through KPIs and provide regular reporting to senior leadership
• Work closely with Planning, Procurement, Quality and Engineering to resolve operational challenges
• Support the implementation of operational strategy set by the Operations Director
• Ensure quality standards and manufacturing compliance are maintained throughout production
• Represent Production during customer meetings and support operational reviews where required

To be considered, you'll have:

• Proven production leadership experience within engineering, manufacturing or electro mechanical assembly
• Previous experience managing Production Leaders, Team Leaders or Supervisors
• Strong people leadership with the ability to motivate, coach and develop teams
• Experience working within regulated manufacturing environments
• Excellent forecasting and reporting experience
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and Six Sigma principles
• Understanding of MRP or ERP systems
• Good understanding of quality management systems and ISO 9001
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, cost and delivery
• Eligibility for ITAR and SC clearance (5 years' UK residency without visa or sponsorship requirement)

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive leader who enjoys improving processes and developing operational performance. The role offers genuine influence across manufacturing operations and the opportunity to shape production while developing future operational capability.

This is a full time, permanent role based onsite in Poole, offering a competitive salary plus learning and development opportunity.

To be considered, please click apply and send your updated CV to Becki for review.