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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a product family, streamlining processes and hitting delivery targets.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in Bedford focused on innovative manufacturing solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of lean transformation and make a real impact on production efficiency.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in manufacturing with leadership experience; technical/engineering qualification required.
- Other info: Must be comfortable in a hands-on role, engaging with teams across shifts.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Bedford
Department: Operations
Reports to: Director of Operations
Type: Full-time
About the Role
We're looking for a strategic, hands-on Value Stream Manager to lead operations for a defined product family, from raw material to delivery. You’ll be the go-to person for streamlining processes, eliminating waste, and hitting customer delivery targets while managing production, materials, scheduling, and inventory control.
What You’ll Do
- Own the value stream. Define product families, map current/future states, and lead lean transformation.
- Drive day-to-day performance across production, purchasing, and inventory.
- Use data, lean tools, and good judgment to solve problems and improve flow.
- Coordinate closely with Engineering, Sales, and Supply Chain to deliver results.
- Lead and support your team—on both shifts—to meet output, quality, and delivery goals.
- Conduct regular Gemba walks, tackle roadblocks, review metrics, and ensure adherence to standard work.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across all aspects of the value stream.
What You Bring
- Recognized technical/engineering qualification
- 5–10 years in manufacturing, including 3+ years in a leadership role
- Experience in a high-mix, low-volume machine shop
- Solid knowledge of production scheduling, shop floor control, and MRP/SAP systems
- Strong grasp of lean/TPS tools like Kanban, root cause analysis, and standard work
- Sharp leadership and communication skills—able to inspire teams and influence change
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift/move up to 20 kg occasionally
- Must be comfortable walking, standing, and moving across the production floor regularly
Value Stream Manager employer: Insignis Talent
Contact Detail:
Insignis Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Value Stream Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with lean manufacturing principles and tools, especially those mentioned in the job description like Kanban and root cause analysis. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently during your interactions will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the manufacturing sector, particularly those who have experience in value stream management. Engaging in conversations with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or implemented lean transformations. Highlighting measurable outcomes will demonstrate your capability to drive performance and meet delivery goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for the company and its products by researching StudySmarter’s operations and values. Tailoring your conversations to reflect how your skills align with their mission can make a strong impression on the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Value Stream Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Value Stream Manager. Familiarise yourself with key terms like lean transformation, Gemba walks, and production scheduling to demonstrate your knowledge in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in manufacturing and leadership roles. Emphasise your familiarity with lean tools and any specific achievements that showcase your ability to streamline processes and improve performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell a story about your journey in manufacturing. Explain how your skills align with the company's needs and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or implemented improvements in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, highlight your leadership and communication skills. Provide specific examples of how you've inspired teams or influenced change in a manufacturing environment to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Insignis Talent
✨Understand Lean Principles
Make sure you have a solid grasp of lean manufacturing principles and tools like Kanban and root cause analysis. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles to streamline processes and eliminate waste.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your leadership experience, especially in a manufacturing environment. Share specific examples of how you've inspired teams, tackled challenges, and driven performance improvements.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to production scheduling, shop floor control, and MRP/SAP systems. Brush up on these topics and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves coordinating with various departments, emphasise your collaboration skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with engineering, sales, and supply chain teams to achieve common goals.
