Value Stream Leader — Lean Manufacturing Excellence

Watts Water; Hutchinson (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Watts Water in Hutchinson, KS, is seeking a Value Stream Manager to lead the Superior Boiler value stream, drive Lean initiatives, and deliver safe, efficient production. You will supervise two supervisors and ~20–40 production staff, develop plans with Operations leadership, and implement WPS and Lean tools to improve quality, reduce costs, and shorten lead times.

The role requires a strong manufacturing background, proven leadership, and hands-on problem solving in a lean environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business or Operations.
• 7+ years manufacturing experience across multiple functional areas.
• Experience leading teams and mentoring future manufacturing leaders.
• LEAN manufacturing knowledge and lead Lean improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Value Stream in daily operations and continuous improvements to meet production goals.
• Drive Lean implementation to improve flow, pull systems, and workload leveling.
• Ensure standardized work and safety compliance with auditing and countermeasures.
• Maintain equipment readiness and organize periodic audits of the line.
• Foster a positive team atmosphere, assign tasks, and coordinate cross-functional support.
• Support cross-training and backup coverage to ensure smooth value stream operation.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Leadership

Continuous Improvement

Quality mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business or Operations

Job description

Watts Water in Hutchinson, KS, is seeking a Value Stream Manager to lead the Superior Boiler value stream, drive Lean initiatives, and deliver safe, efficient production. You will supervise two supervisors and ~20–40 production staff, develop plans with Operations leadership, and implement WPS and Lean tools to improve quality, reduce costs, and shorten lead times.

The role requires a strong manufacturing background, proven leadership, and hands-on problem solving in a lean environment.