Entry-Level Value Stream Manager

The Gund Company - Amsterdam; Wallins Corners (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO and Holidays

Health benefits

401(k) plan with employer match

ESOP

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

The Gund Company is seeking an Entry-Level Value Stream Manager to learn and support daily manufacturing operations at our Amsterdam site. The role focuses on safety, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement across a value stream from order entry to shipping.

You will work with cross-functional teams to understand customer requirements and product specs, while building leadership capabilities for future responsibility in people and process management.

Qualifications

• Strong ability to lead and influence individuals and teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in mathematics.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Technically skilled, able to provide clear directions.

Responsibilities

• Learn and support the management of daily manufacturing operations with emphasis on safety, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify process improvements and reduce waste using Lean and Kaizen.
• Understand customer requirements, product specs, and order fulfillment from quotation to shipment.
• Work with cross-functional teams to enhance customer satisfaction and drive business growth.
• Assist in monitoring production performance, inventory levels, costs, and profitability while learning to meet value stream goals.
• Promote company culture and safe work behaviors; support training and teamwork.
• Develop leadership skills through mentorship and practical experience for greater responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mathematics

Analytical thinking

Technical direction

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Job description

Description

Shift: 1st

Salary: $60,000-$80,000

Location: 200 Wallins Corners Rd, Amsterdam

Job Summary Entry-Level Value Stream Manager

The Entry-Level Value Stream Manager (VSM) reports directly to the Plant Manager and is a developmental leadership role aimed at understanding The Gund Company's culture, manufacturing operations, customer requirements, and order fulfillment processes. Through training and mentorship, the Entry-Level VSM will acquire the skills necessary to lead a value stream, support production activities, and drive continuous improvement.

In this role, the VSM will collaborate with production teams to learn about and contribute to various operations, including estimating, order entry, production scheduling, assembly, machining, processing, treating, packaging, and shipping. This position is designed to build leadership capabilities and prepare the individual for increased operational responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions Entry-Level Value Stream Manager

• Learn and support the management of daily manufacturing operations, with an emphasis safety, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify process improvements, minimize waste, and enhance efficiency using Lean manufacturing principles and Kaizen activities.
• Understand customer requirements, product specifications, and the order fulfillment process from quotation to shipment.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams such as Customer Service, Estimating, Sales, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Operations to enhance customer satisfaction and drive business growth.
• Assist in monitoring production performance, inventory levels, costs, and profitability while learning to achieve the value stream's goals and objectives.
• Promote The Gund Company's culture of "Take Care of Each Other" by supporting safe work behaviors, employee development, training, communication, and teamwork.
• Develop leadership skills through mentorship and practical experience, preparing for greater responsibility in managing people, processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications and Competencies Entry-Level Value Stream Manager

• Strong ability to lead and influence individuals and teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a professional demeanor
• Proficient in mathematics
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Technically skilled, capable of providing clear and effective directions.

Education and Experience Entry-Level Value Stream Manager

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Applied Sciences, Business, Operations Management, or a related field preferred. It focuses heavily on practical skills, hands-on lab work, and real-world applications.
• Internship, co-op, manufacturing experience, or demonstrated interest in manufacturing operations is a plus; no prior leadership experience required.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing, operational excellence, or continuous improvement principles preferred.
• Exposure to quality systems and concepts such as ISO 9001, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, TQM, or JIT is beneficial, but training will be provided.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills with a willingness to learn and develop as a leader.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and build effective relationships across teams.
• Eagerness to learn The Gund Company's products, processes, customer requirements, and culture.

Preferred Entry-Level Value Stream Manager

• Master's degrees in the following fields: Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Applied Sciences, Business, and Operations Management.

Physical Requirements

The employee may be required to sit, reach with their hands and arms, and regularly stand, walk, and use their hands to finger, handle, or feel objects. Additionally, the employee must frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment is typical of most shop settings; it is not climate-controlled and is influenced by outdoor weather conditions. Team members are exposed to distracting sounds and noise levels.

• Frequent exposure to fumes and dust particles may require the use of respirators or other types of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• There may also be contact with toxic or caustic chemicals.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to help individuals with disabilities perform essential job functions.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
• Comprehensive benefits package (Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability).
• 401(k) plan with a 50% employer match.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Ongoing training and development programs.

Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the Entry-Level Value Stream Manager position.

EEO Statement: It is the policy of The Gund Company to recruit, hire, train, and promote employees without discrimination.