Merit Brass is a recognized leader in the manufacturing and distribution of pipe, valves, fittings, and related products, trusted by customers nationwide for quality, reliability, and service. We are looking for a motivated individual to join our team as a Value Stream Manager for our Cleveland, OH location. 

The Value Stream Manager has end-to-end accountability to safely meet customer demand for quality parts in cost-effective manner. The Manager owns operations for three similar product families which are separated by product diameter. This role owns the value stream’s operating processes, production schedule, staffing plan, daily management system, and performance KPIs. The Manager will champion cross-functional problem-solving activities, cross-training initiatives to improve associate flexibility, and strategic initiatives to prepare the value stream for future customer demand.

Objectives:

• Support the Manufacturing operation by consistently meeting or exceeding the departments’ Efficiency and Productivity Goals
• To work as an effective team member to consistently achieve 98% serviceability on Pipe Nipples
• Uphold the Merit Brass corporate mission statement, acting with a sense of urgency and upholding the core values as published
• Maintain a professional, ethical and respectful attitude while exercising teamwork

Responsibilities

• Own Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost daily management for assigned families
• Identify performance gaps and champion the PDCA process to close the gaps
• Identify, mentor, and develop future leaders in the department
• Drive cross-training activities to support a flexible and engaged work force
• Provide a single external communication point for the Value Stream: priority orders, resolving customer defects, etc.
• Own staffing plan and labor scheduling to meet the production plan
• Document associate progressive discipline in partnership with HR
• Define standard work playbooks for floor team in partnership with Lean Engineer
• Identify and run Kaizen/Lean events in partnership with Lean Engineer
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business, or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience
• Five or more years of progressive manufacturing experience, including responsibility for production teams, schedules, and demonstrated results in Operations
• Experience managing multiple high-volume production cells or product families
• Working knowledge of production planning, capacity analysis, labor planning, ERP/MRP systems (D365), OSHA requirements, and manufacturing cost drivers
• Experience in KPI management, Root-Cause Analysis, Lean, and Continuous Improvement tools
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional skills
• Mechanical aptitude to have troubleshooting conversations with Maintenance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in designing and implementing a Pull or Flow structured production line (versus Push)
• Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean, or similar continuous-improvement training
• Ability to troubleshoot auto and semi-automated equipment
• Working knowledge to connect financial performance of labor, overhead, scrap, inventory, productivity, and capital projects

Benefits:

Merit Brass offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays