What is the job?
To be the Value Stream Supervisor within Tables, the ideal candidate will be required to lead floor level manufacturing operations with close attention to customer service, continuous improvement, product quality and overall operational excellence (LEAN manufacturing). This role is a leadership role where you will have up to 11 Production Operatives to line manage.

Working Hours:Monday to Thursday 7.30am - 4:30pm and Fridays 7.30am – 12.30pm (based onsite)

What is essential to us…

·         Minimum 3 years in a leadership role in a manufacturing environment (apprenticeship trained or equivalent)

·         Follow the Leader Standard Work and conduct regular audits.

·         To apply lean practices to manufacturing processes in keeping with the overall value stream target conditions.

·         To help maintain a KATA continuous improvement cycle within manufacturing groups.

·         Conduct motivational Tier meetings and to communicate targets and strategies effectively to manufacturing teams.

·         Ensure appropriate operating principles, work instructions.

·         Collaborate with Manufacturing and R&D engineering, tables leadership and manufacturing groups to identify and execute improvement opportunities in all manufacturing related activities

·         Ensure quality of product produced meets manufacturing drawing requirements.

·         Design and carry out total productive maintenance routines

·         Ensure that all manufacturing activities are carried out in accordance with the company’s safe working and environmental requirements

·         Ensuring knowledge gaps and training needs are identified and managed

·         Line management duties, including return to work interviews, one to one meetings and appraisals.

·         Maintain and audit Standard Work, SOPs, Safe Systems of Work, Risk Assessments and other controlled documents for the manufacturing groups.

·         To sustain a culture of 5S in manufacturing areas and develop kanban driven

·         Collaborate with stakeholders to develop future strategies to support Tables BU objectives

·         Troubleshoot and conduct root cause analysis

·         Collaborate closely with the supply chain, production planning, purchasing and liaise with NPI team to smoothly transfer NPI from Engineering to Production

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

Requirements

What we would like you to do/ to see…

•         An appreciation of LEAN manufacturing techniques, quality improvement and associated people strategies required to drive and sustain change.

•         An understanding of MRP / ERP data systems as applied to production to ensure optimal end to end Value Streams with minimal waste.

•         A sound understanding of improvement techniques such as Value Stream and Process mapping and Visual Management systems.

•         Experienced in troubleshooting and finding root causes and solutions for technical problems.

•         Ability to lead a cross functional team.

•         Organised and be able to manage multiple projects concurrently.

•         Strong communication skills with the ability to train, coach, mentor and present new ideas.

•         Clear and collaborative communicator and have attention to detail

•         Receptive to expand current knowledge

• Responsible for the Health & Safety of your work area and your team members.  Including, the review and upkeep of all risk assessments, identifying H&S training requirements, providing inductions to new team members.  Dealing with PPE issues and H&S breaches, undertaking regular H&S inspections and accident reporting - this would include supporting and or leading accident investigations.
• Undertake the role of Fire Marshal for your work area and team members. Including regular checks for hazards and issues, completion of fire risk assessment actions, ensuring all people in your area are aware of evacuation procedures and drawing their attention to hazardous practices.

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive salary, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference:THOR-VC-1082

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is hereSchool leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. 

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

Benefits

-Contributed Pension Scheme-Group Life Cover-Private Health Care-Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail .

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.