Value Stream Manager – Plainwell Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Plainwell (MI); On-site; USD 102,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Plainwell, MI is seeking a Value Stream Manager to lead production within assigned value streams and drive continuous improvement. This role partners with manufacturing companies across Michigan to align staffing, training, and process improvements with safety, quality, and cost targets.

You will oversee coaching, problem solving, and data-driven decisions to optimize lead times and performance, with a focus on lean tools and robust metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, or 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Strong communication

Coaching & leadership

Reading production data

Lean tools (VSM/Kaizen)

Problem solving & RCA

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/operations or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Production scheduling software

Job description

Job Description:

Value Stream Manager | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $102,000 – $149,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for excelling as a value stream manager? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in the Plainwell area seeking experienced Value Stream Managers to strengthen their teams.

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 Plainwell in Allegan County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Hope.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Plainwell region seeking Value Stream Managers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates – not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Usual Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Recommended Qualifications

• Strong communication and coaching skills with hourly and salaried teams.
• 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.

Bonus Qualifications

• Prior responsibility for budget or cost center management.
• 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.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

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 AI Lean Six Sigma Support Lean Manufacturing Organization Six Sigma Operations Waste Key Performance Indicators Compliance Salary Hiring Partnerships Recruiting Process Improvement Compensation Agile Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Interpersonal Skills Administration Preparation Software Engineering Business Leadership Communication

Salary Package:

$ 102,000.00 – 149,000.00 (US Dollar)