Value Stream Manager | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $104,000 - $151,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous 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 growth. We collaborate with companies in the Portage 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 Portage in Kalamazoo County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Three Rivers, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg, and Constantine.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with multiple companies in the Portage area seeking experienced Value Stream Managers. These organizations value long-term fit and look for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Usual Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

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.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search - market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.