Value Stream Manager (Bedford)

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