Value Stream Manager - Traverse City Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 103,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Traverse City, MI, is seeking a Value Stream Manager to lead lean initiatives, optimize end-to-end flow, and drive performance across cross-functional teams.

This role focuses on eliminating waste, tracking KPIs, managing budget, and mentoring teams in lean methods such as VSM, Kaizen, and 5S, while ensuring safety and quality standards.

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 implementing and sustaining Lean manufacturing principles (e.g., VSM, Kaizen, 5S).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data-driven decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Define, implement, and optimize value streams to eliminate waste and improve flow.
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives within the value stream.
• Establish and track KPIs for the value stream, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop and manage the value stream budget, optimizing resource allocation and cost efficiency.
• Foster a culture of problem-solving and lean principles throughout the value stream.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards within the value stream.
• Mentor and develop team members, building capabilities in lean methodologies and problem-solving.
• Collaborate with other value stream managers and functional leaders to optimize end-to-end processes.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Data-driven decisions

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

VSM

Kaizen

5S

Job description

Value Stream Manager | Traverse City, MI

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

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for excelling in value stream manager? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Traverse City seeking experienced Value Stream Managers to drive results.

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 are working with companies in Traverse City that are adding Value Stream Managers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, implement, and optimize value streams to eliminate waste and improve flow.
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives within the value stream.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for the value stream, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop and manage the value stream budget, optimizing resource allocation and cost efficiency.
• Foster a culture of problem-solving and lean principles throughout the value stream.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards within the value stream.
• Mentor and develop team members, building capabilities in lean methodologies and problem-solving.
• Collaborate with other value stream managers and functional leaders to optimize end-to-end processes.

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 implementing and sustaining Lean manufacturing principles (e.g., VSM, Kaizen, 5S).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data-driven decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop cross-functional teams.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification
• Experience with large-scale ERP implementations (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies (e.g., AI, IoT, automation)
• Proven ability to mentor and develop continuous improvement talent

Job Titles That Should Apply

Value Stream Manager, Value Stream Lead, Lean-Agile Leader, Agile Release Train Engineer, Solution Train Engineer, Business Process Improvement Manager, Operational Excellence Manager, Process Optimization Manager, Portfolio Manager, Program Manager, Senior Project 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.