Value Stream Manager – Grand Rapids Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 103,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Grand Rapids, MI seeks a Value Stream Manager to lead production across assigned value streams, drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets, and coach supervisory teams. This opportunity connects you with manufacturers across Michigan, offering exposure to continuous improvement projects and KPI-driven leadership.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in manufacturing operations, a Bachelor’s in engineering/related field, and strong lean tool knowledge, including VSM,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Five or more years in manufacturing operations, including supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of lean tools such as value stream mapping, kaizen, and standard work.
• Experience with production metrics, root cause analysis, and corrective action.
• Strong communication and coaching skills with hourly and salaried teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage staffing, training, and performance development for the value stream.
• Ensure compliance with safety rules, quality standards, and company policies.
• Report performance results and improvement plans to plant leadership.
• Lead daily production activities across an assigned value stream to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Track key performance indicators and drive corrective action when results fall short.
• Coach supervisors and team leads on standard work and problem solving.
• Lead continuous improvement projects that reduce waste and shorten lead times.
• Coordinate production schedules with planning, maintenance, and materials teams.

Skills

5S

Kaizen

Lean tools

Value stream mapping

Supervisory experience

Operations management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/operations

Tools

ERP systems

Production scheduling software

Job description

Job Description:

Value Stream Manager | Grand Rapids, MI

Salary Range: $103,000 – $150,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for excelling as a value stream manager? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We collaborate with leading companies in the Grand Rapids area seeking experienced Value Stream Managers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan’s manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Value Stream Manager opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Grand Rapids in Kent County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including East Grand Rapids and Northview.

The Opportunity

We partner with organizations in the Grand Rapids area that seek Value Stream Managers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and look for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Usual Responsibilities

• Manage staffing, training, and performance development for the value stream.
• Ensure compliance with safety rules, quality standards, and company policies.
• Report performance results and improvement plans to plant leadership.
• Lead daily production activities across an assigned value stream to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Track key performance indicators and drive corrective action when results fall short.
• Coach supervisors and team leads on standard work and problem solving.
• Lead continuous improvement projects that reduce waste and shorten lead times.
• Coordinate production schedules with planning, maintenance, and materials teams.

Recommended Qualifications

• Ability to read production data and use it to make decisions.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Five or more years in manufacturing operations, including supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of lean tools such as value stream mapping, kaizen, and standard work.
• Experience with production metrics, root cause analysis, and corrective action.
• Strong communication and coaching skills with hourly and salaried teams.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Background in machining, assembly, or fabrication processes.
• Experience with ERP systems and production scheduling software.
• Prior responsibility for budget or cost center management.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Continuous Improvement Manager, Lean Manufacturing Manager, Assembly Manager, Operations Superintendent, Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Plant Manager, Production Supervisor

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who’ve been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic – they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

Required Skills:

Resume 5S Offers Kaizen Business Process Improvement Output Support Lean Manufacturing Management Skills Operations Waste Business Process Key Performance Indicators Salary Hiring Partnerships Accountability Recruiting Process Improvement Compensation Agile Change Management Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Administration Preparation Engineering Business Training Leadership Communication Management

Salary Package:

$ 103,000.00 – 150,000.00 (US Dollar)