Mill/Lathe Value Stream Leader
Granite State Manufacturing · Manchester
Granite State Manufacturing is a leading contract manufacturer of large, complex, precision machined and welded components, supporting the US Navy in building submarines.
We specialize in high-mix, low-to-medium volume production, delivering precision, quality, and on-time performance on custom-engineered products. Our capabilities include:
- Large-format CNC machining
- Heavy fabrication and welding (MIG, TIG, FCAW, SAW)
- Assembly, inspection, and testing
- Program management for complex builds
We are known for handling tight tolerances, complex geometries, and demanding customer specifications.
Our work environment is supportive, providing what our people need to do great work.
Position Summary
The Value Stream Leader (VSL) is responsible for the daily operational performance of the Mill and Lathe machining value stream, ensuring the safe, efficient, and on-time production of high-precision components. This role provides frontline leadership to machinists, setup technicians, and support personnel while driving continuous improvement in quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
The Value Stream Leader serves as the primary point of coordination for production activities within the machining area and works closely with Engineering, Quality, Planning, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to achieve customer requirements in a high-mix manufacturing environment. Success in this role requires strong technical machining knowledge, leadership capability, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to operational excellence.
Essential Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Provide daily leadership and direction to Mill and Lathe production personnel.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct shift start-up meetings and communicate production priorities and performance expectations.
- Train, coach, and develop employees to improve technical capability, productivity, and engagement.
- Monitor attendance, performance, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Assist with performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and workforce planning as needed.
Production Management
- Execute daily production plans to meet customer delivery commitments.
- Coordinate machine loading, labor allocation, and workflow across machining centers and turning operations.
- Monitor key production metrics including schedule attainment, throughput, machine utilization, labor efficiency, and on-time delivery.
- Identify and resolve production bottlenecks and constraints.
- Ensure rapid response to schedule changes and customer priorities.
- Collaborate with Planning and Machining Manager to optimize resource utilization.
Quality & Technical Performance
- Ensure compliance with all customer, quality, and process requirements.
- Promote a "right-first-time" manufacturing culture focused on defect prevention.
- Support first article inspections, setup verification, and critical process validation activities.
- Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions for quality issues.
- Verify adherence to process documentation, inspection plans, and work instructions.
- Support manufacturing of large, complex components requiring tight tolerances and demanding quality standards.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead and participate in Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Utilize Lean Manufacturing tools to improve flow, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
- Analyze operational data and identify opportunities to improve OEE, quality, throughput, and lead time.
- Drive setup reduction, standard work implementation, visual management, and workplace organization initiatives.
- Support implementation of best practices across machining operations.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, company policies, and environmental requirements.
- Promote proactive safety behaviors and hazard identification.
- Lead incident investigations and corrective action implementation when required.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to improve machining processes and tooling strategies.
- Work closely with Quality to address customer and internal quality concerns.
- Coordinate with Maintenance to minimize equipment downtime.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain and Production Control to ensure material availability and schedule execution.
- Support new product introduction and transition-to-production activities.
Requirements
Experience
- 5+ years of machining manufacturing experience.
- 2+ years of leadership, supervisory, lead, or value stream management experience preferred.
- Experience in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume contract manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
- Experience with CNC milling and turning operations.
- Experience producing tight-tolerance components for demanding industrial, aerospace, defense, energy, heavy equipment, or similar markets preferred.
- Due to the nature and importance of GSM’s work, our positions require access to export-controlled information. Therefore, all candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable export-control/ITAR regulations or otherwise be authorized to access such information under U.S. law.
Technical Knowledge
- Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, tooling, fixturing, and setup practices.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and inspection requirements.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and production scheduling.
- Understanding of quality systems, SPC, root cause analysis, and problem-solving tools.
Education
- Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, Business Management, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.
Competencies
- Leadership and team development
- Operational excellence
- Accountability and ownership
- Decision making and prioritization
- Problem solving and root cause analysis
- Effective communication
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Customer focus
- Results orientation
- Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Medical insurance
- Dental & Vision, Life insurance (Company paid)
- Disability benefits (Company paid)
- 401(k) & 401(k) company matching
- Paid time off and holidays
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health savings account
- Referral program
- Overtime opportunities (if applicable)
- Training and career growth in advanced manufacturing
- Employee assistance program
Why Join Us?
- Work on large-scale, one-of-a-kind projects
- Stable industry with strong customer demand
- Opportunity to grow in a flexible, high-skill environment
- Collaborative team focused on quality and craftsmanship
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