Value Stream Manager

Job Summary

The Value Stream Manager is responsible for the overall performance, leadership, and continuous improvement of a designated manufacturing value stream. This role leads production operations across three shifts through a team of supervisors and department leaders to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality products. The Value Stream Manager is accountable for achieving key performance indicators related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, inventory, and cost while fostering a culture of employee engagement and operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Value Stream Leadership

• Lead all activities within the assigned value stream to achieve operational and business objectives.
• Develop and execute strategies to improve safety, quality, delivery performance, productivity, and profitability.
• Ensure alignment of value stream goals with overall plant and organizational objectives.
• Serve as the primary operational leader for assigned product lines and manufacturing processes.
• Directly supervises Production Supervisors and other value stream leaders.
• Indirectly responsible for all hourly employees within the assigned value stream across three shifts.
• Responsible for staffing, performance management, employee development, succession planning, and operational results within the value stream.
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People Leadership and Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to Production Supervisors and team leaders across three shifts.
• Build a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Develop supervisors and high-potential employees through mentoring, training, and succession planning.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development initiatives.
• Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, employee relations, and talent management activities.

Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture throughout the value stream.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive employee participation in safety programs and continuous improvement efforts.

Operational Excellence

• Manage daily production activities to ensure customer requirements and production schedules are met.
• Monitor key operational metrics and implement actions to improve performance.
• Drive improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), throughput, cycle time, and labor efficiency.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination among all shifts.
• Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to resolve operational issues.

Quality Management

• Ensure products consistently meet customer and company quality standards.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to quality concerns.
• Support implementation of quality improvement initiatives and process controls.
• Promote a culture focused on defect prevention and continuous quality improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives within the value stream.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and problem-solving activities.
• Utilize data-driven decision-making to eliminate waste and improve operational performance.
• Drive sustainable process improvements that enhance customer value and business results.

Financial Accountability

• Manage labor, material, and operating expenses within the value stream.
• Develop and execute plans to achieve productivity and cost reduction targets.
• Monitor and improve inventory management and working capital performance.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.

Customer Focus

• Ensure on-time delivery and responsiveness to customer requirements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to resolve production and service issues.
• Drive initiatives that improve customer satisfaction and operational reliability.
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NOTE:  This job description is not all-inclusive and other duties and responsibilities may be assigned, as necessary. In keeping with our corporate culture, all employees are expected to do “whatever it takes” to get the job done.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing leadership experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Demonstrated success leading manufacturing operations and achieving operational metrics.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, value stream mapping, and continuous improvement principles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, manufacturing software, and Microsoft Office applications.

Key Performance Metrics

• Safety Performance (TRIR, Near Miss Reporting, Incident Reduction)
• Quality Performance (Scrap, Rework, Customer Complaints, First Pass Yield)
• Delivery Performance (On-Time Delivery, Schedule Adherence)
• Productivity (Labor Efficiency, Throughput, OEE)
• Cost Management (Labor Cost, Material Utilization, Cost Reduction Initiatives)
• Employee Engagement and Retention

Position Demands

Physical Demands (essential functions)

• Climbing, Bending, Lifting, Pulling and Pushing.
• Ability to handle lifting large equipment
• Ability to lift 35 lbs

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant environment with regular exposure to production operations.
• Frequent presence on the production floor supporting all three shifts.
• Ability to work flexible hours and support off-shift operations as needed.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Work Hazards

·       Electrical Hazards including following Lockout / Tagout processes

·       Overhead equipment and crane operation

·       Working from elevated platforms and lifts – utilization of fall arrest equipment

·       Lifting of heavy equipment – must have the ability to lift 35 lbs

·       Exterior weather conditions