Value Stream Manager

We are seeking a results‑driven Value Stream Manager to lead all operational activities within our machining areas. This role is responsible for driving performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration.

The ideal candidate combines strong leadership with deep operational expertise, leveraging lean manufacturing principles to streamline processes, develop teams, and support strategic initiatives such as New Product Introduction (NPI), capacity expansion, and cost reduction.

This is a highly visible role with direct impact on customer satisfaction, operational stability, and long-term business success.

What You’ll Do

Operational Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations in machining to meet or exceed SQDCI performance targets.
• Oversee 15–30 employees, providing coaching, development, and clear direction.

Quality & Customer Focus

• Facilitate VOC meetings, driving root-cause analysis and ensuring robust corrective actions.
• Embed quality into processes through standardized work, mistake-proofing, and workplace organization.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion lean methodologies (5S, VSM, Kanban, pull systems, flow, takt time).
• Ensure standardized work adherence, implement countermeasures, and lead structured problem solving (PDCA, DMAIC, A3).

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering, quality, supply chain, finance, and customer support to resolve issues and support product launches.
• Support New Product Introductions to ensure operational readiness and seamless production start-up.

Planning & Performance Management

• Collaborate with planning teams to optimize scheduling, align labor and materials, and achieve on-time delivery targets.
• Manage KPI boards and provide regular performance updates to leadership.
• Contribute to Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP) by identifying constraints and proposing solutions.

Business & Financial Management

• Analyze operating results and develop corrective actions to improve performance.
• Build and manage department budgets aligned with business goals.

What You Bring

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Business Leadership, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Leadership experience overseeing teams in a plant setting.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in ERP systems (JDE preferred) for production planning, material flow, and cost management.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills; data analysis capabilities required.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar visualization tools a plus.
• Ability to read technical drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of machining cell operations, assembly/test processes, material handling, and warehouse operations.

Lean & Continuous Improvement

• Hands-on experience with lean tools and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong understanding of MRP and shop-floor control systems.

Communication & Leadership

• Effective communicator with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
• Skilled at presenting complex ideas, coaching employees, and driving engagement.
• Strong organization, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

Safety

• Knowledge of OSHA requirements and relevant environmental standards.

Work Environment

• Based in Racine, WI with frequent presence on the manufacturing floor.
• Fast-paced environment requiring strong prioritization and leadership.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to shape operational excellence, influence strategic decisions, and lead a high-performing team within a critical value stream. If you’re passionate about manufacturing leadership, continuous improvement, and delivering customer value, we’d love to meet you.