Location: Bedford
Department: Operations
Reports to: Director of Operations
Type: Full-time
About the Role
We're looking for a strategic, hands-on Value Stream Manager to lead operations for a defined product family, from raw material to delivery. You’ll be the go-to person for streamlining processes, eliminating waste, and hitting customer delivery targets while managing production, materials, scheduling, and inventory control.
What You’ll Do
* Own the value stream. Define product families, map current/future states, and lead lean transformation.
* Drive day-to-day performance across production, purchasing, and inventory.
* Use data, lean tools, and good judgment to solve problems and improve flow.
* Coordinate closely with Engineering, Sales, and Supply Chain to deliver results.
* Lead and support your team—on both shifts—to meet output, quality, and delivery goals.
* Conduct regular Gemba walks, tackle roadblocks, review metrics, and ensure adherence to standard work.
* Lead continuous improvement initiatives across all aspects of the value stream.
What You Bring
* Recognized technical/engineering qualification
* 5–10 years in manufacturing, including 3+ years in a leadership role
* Experience in a high-mix, low-volume machine shop
* Solid knowledge of production scheduling, shop floor control, and MRP/SAP systems
* Strong grasp of lean/TPS tools like Kanban, root cause analysis, and standard work
* Sharp leadership and communication skills—able to inspire teams and influence change
Physical Requirements
* Ability to lift/move up to 20 kg occasionally
* Must be comfortable walking, standing, and moving across the production floor regularly