Value Stream Manager - Kalamazoo Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 105,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Kalamazoo, MI seeks a Value Stream Manager to lead Lean initiatives, map value streams, and drive continuous improvements across manufacturing operations.

You will mentor cross-functional teams, develop performance metrics, and collaborate with product development, sales, and supply chain to ensure value delivery while optimizing budgets and resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Engineering, Business, or equivalent).
• 5+ years in manufacturing operations with leadership experience.
• Proven experience applying Lean principles (Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S).
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Define, map, and optimize value streams to eliminate waste and improve flow.
• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams using Lean principles (Kaizen, SMED, 5S).
• Develop and execute strategic plans for value stream performance with metrics for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to boost operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain visual management systems to monitor value stream performance and deviations.
• Collaborate with product development, sales, and supply chain to ensure alignment and seamless value delivery.
• Manage the value stream budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
• Foster a culture of problem-solving and accountability within the value stream team.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Data-driven decision making

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business/related field

Tools

Kaizen

SMED

5S

Job description

Value Stream Manager | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $105,000 - $153,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for excelling in value stream manager? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Kalamazoo seeking skilled Value Stream Managers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. 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.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Kalamazoo seeking Value Stream Managers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, map, and optimize value streams to eliminate waste and improve flow.
• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams using Lean principles and tools (e.g., Kaizen, SMED, 5S).
• Develop and execute strategic plans for value stream performance, including metrics for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to achieve significant gains in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain visual management systems to monitor value stream performance and identify deviations.
• Collaborate with product development, sales, and supply chain to ensure alignment and seamless value delivery.
• Manage the value stream budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
• Foster a culture of problem-solving and accountability within the value stream team.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in Lean manufacturing principles and their practical application (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S).
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.

Bonus Qualifications

• Additional certifications or training

Job Titles That Should Apply

Value Stream Leader, Lean-Agile Leader, Agile Coach, Release Train Engineer, Solution Train Engineer, Flow Manager, Operations Excellence Manager, Business Process Optimization Manager, Portfolio Manager, Program Manager

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.