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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a product family, streamlining processes and managing production.
- 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 the driving force behind efficiency and quality in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in manufacturing with leadership experience and technical qualifications required.
- Other info: Must be comfortable with physical tasks and regular movement on the production floor.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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, as these are crucial for the Value Stream Manager role. Brush up on your knowledge of Kanban, root cause analysis, and standard work to demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the manufacturing sector, especially those who have experience in high-mix, low-volume environments. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams to achieve operational excellence. Highlight your leadership style and how you inspire teams to meet output, quality, and delivery goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's operations and values to align your approach with our company culture. Understanding our mission will help you articulate how you can contribute to our goals during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Value Stream Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in manufacturing and leadership roles. Emphasise your familiarity with lean tools and production scheduling, as these are key aspects of the Value Stream Manager position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about streamlining processes and improving efficiency. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive continuous improvement.
Highlight Technical Qualifications: Clearly state your technical or engineering qualifications in your application. Mention any certifications or training related to lean manufacturing or production management that would make you a strong candidate for this role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and ability to inspire change, as these are crucial for the Value Stream Manager position.
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. Be ready to 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.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've coordinated with different departments like Engineering, Sales, and Supply Chain to achieve results. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
