Every day, we get opportunities to make a positive impact – on our colleagues, partners, customers and society. Together, we’re pioneering the solutions of the future and unlocking the full potential of precious resources. Trusted to act on initiative, we challenge conventional thinking to develop world-leading technologies that inspire progress in vital areas, including energy, food, water and shipping.

As we push forward, the innovative, open spirit that fuels our 140-year-old start-up culture and rapid growth also drives our personal growth. So, as we shape a more resourceful, less wasteful world, we build our careers too.

About the job

As an integral member of our team, you will play a pivotal role, making efficient Factory Operations on day-to-day basis with the mindset of 4Zs (Zero Injury, Zero Defect, Zero Downtime, Zero Late’s) through visible leadership and continuous improvements. You will have the opportunity to be a catalyst to co-coordinate between different support functions for collaborative decision making & balance the business priorities. This is a First Line Manger role with planned future development opportunities, be prepared to work beyond 8 hours and adaptable to dynamic business cycles. Your night shift schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 9:30PM ~ 6:30AM. Currently, this is an On-site opportunity located in Richmond, VA.

As a part of the team, you will:

Safety & Compliance

Lead daily safety inspections and weekly audits to drive continuous PPE and machinery improvements.
Identify HSE hazards and partner with safety teams to implement factory-wide improvements.
Champion daily 5S routines to maintain and sustain high workplace organization standards.

Operations & Performance

Be on the factory floor (80-90% of time) to achieve "4Z" goals: Zero Injury, Defect, Downtime, and Lates.
Analyze ERP transactions to identify and resolve root-cause deviations.
Monitor equipment downtime to trigger and lead performance improvement activities.

Leadership & People Management

Manage night shift consisting of 2 Team Leaders and 12~16 Team Members, including shift handovers.
Execute recruitment and capacity planning based on 3–6-month factory load demands.
Oversee goal setting, annual performance reviews, and professional development plans.
Identify and implement cross-training opportunities to increase workforce flexibility.

Process Improvement (Lean)

Identify and eliminate "Waste" (Time, Motion, Inventory) through active Kaizen initiatives.
Report all safety or quality deviations immediately to ensure rapid corrective action.
Continually review and suggest technical optimizations for Standard Operating Procedures.

We care about diversity, inclusion and equity in our recruitment processes. We also believe behavioral traits can provide important insights into a candidate's fit to a role. To help us achieve this we apply Pymetrics assessments, and upon application you will be invited to play the assessment games.

What you know:

You have any bachelor’s degree, preferably Mechanical or Industrial Engineering with relevant experience, and:

3–5 years in Maintenance/Production/Quality; 1–2 years in people management.
Ability to interpret drawings, blueprints, and machine reports.
Lean or Six Sigma certification, preferred.
Advanced skills in ERP systems, MS Office, AutoCAD, and data analysis. Or warehouse management system.
Meet "4Z" metrics (Zero Injury, Defect, Downtime, Lates).
Optimize the bottom line through proactive cost management.
Track reported hours and drive competence matrix achievements.
Maintain high 5S scores for assigned cells and teams.
Ensure full adherence to all corporate policies and procedures.

At Alfa Laval, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and dynamic workplace that values diverse perspectives and experiences. While we typically welcome applicants from all locations, currently, we are prioritizing candidates who reside in the US or have an established presence in the area.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a challenging position in an open and friendly environment where we help each other to develop and create value. Your work will have a true impact on Alfa Laval’s future success. Our benefits-eligible associates enjoy healthcare, dental and vision plans, a robust wellness program, generous 401(k), paid holidays, paid time off benefits, and more. At Alfa Laval, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine your total compensation package. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job, background, skills, and experience to get it right. The base salary for this role is typically $70,000 - $80,000 per year.

Alfa Laval is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, or business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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