Value Stream Manager - Joinery

Burger Boat Company•Manitowoc, WI

13d

About The Position

The Value Stream Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all aspects of daily operations within a defined value stream to exceed customer expectations. This includes ensuring production output, product quality, and on-time delivery while driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and support Lean manufacturing principles. The role also includes managing budgets, developing and mentoring team members, and fostering a culture of accountability and performance. Oversight of contracted trades and engineering support—based on capacity needs—is managed through coordination with Production and Engineering Supervisors to ensure seamless execution of operational goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field is typically required; certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or APICS (CPIM/CSCP) are highly desirable.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint, with demonstrated experience in production scheduling, capacity planning, and performance reporting.
Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, with a proven ability to lead, coach, and mentor cross-functional teams, including supervisors, engineers, and planners.
Demonstrated application of Lean manufacturing principles, including Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis, with the ability to train and guide teams in their use.
Supervisory experience managing both hourly and salaried staff, preferably in a value stream or production line setting, with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) metrics.
Proven track record of driving continuous improvement initiatives that resulted in measurable gains in efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
Experience managing production planning through planners and project/process engineering through an Engineering Supervisor, ensuring alignment with operational goals and capacity needs.
Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence across departments and present to senior leadership.

Nice To Haves

Basic familiarity with production layouts or schematics (e.g., AutoCAD or similar tools) is helpful but not required; ability to interpret technical drawings and collaborate with engineering teams is expected.
Experience in the marine, heavy industrial, or discrete manufacturing sectors is strongly preferred; familiarity with regulated environments (e.g., ISO, AS9100, or Classification Society standards) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Drive world-class operations in a one or more Value Streams by fostering a culture of Lean thinking and continuous improvement to enhance operational capability, optimize cost structure, and better serve customers in collaboration with cross-functional peers.
Lead all manufacturing activities of one or more Value Streams by engaging directly with associates and team members, identifying and eliminating waste to improve safety, product quality, delivery performance, and labor productivity.
Develop a team that includes Production Supervisors, Process Engineers, and Planners, Project Engineers, ensuring alignment with operational goals and performance standards.
Oversee the deployment, execution, and accountability of SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost) boards across assigned areas to drive daily performance management.
Serve as a backup to Production Supervisors and partner cross-functionally with other departments to support and drive operational initiatives.
Recommend and implement changes to production capacity and capability models based on demand, efficiency, and resource availability.
Ensure achievement of production output, product quality, and on-time shipping targets while increasing asset capacity and flexibility, minimizing unnecessary costs, and maintaining quality standards.
Lead the development and management of daily performance metrics and visual management tools to monitor and improve operational effectiveness.
Ensure effective training, coaching, and development of plant personnel, including Supervisors, to build a high-performing and engaged workforce.
Maintain plant housekeeping and 5S standards to ensure a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
Promote a highly visible leadership presence on the floor, fostering employee engagement, participation, and strong working relationships.
Recognize and reward team and individual contributions, consistently reinforcing company vision and values through daily leadership behaviors.
Oversee production planning activities through coordination with Planners to ensure efficient scheduling and resource allocation.
Manage project and process engineering efforts through the Engineering Supervisor, ensuring alignment with value stream objectives and timely execution of engineering support based on operational needs.