Value Stream Manager in Reading

Legrand has an exciting opportunity for a Value Stream Manager to join the Data Center Power and Control Division Team in Reading, UK. The Value Stream Manager (VSM) is responsible for all activities, output and performance of the in‑house manufacturing processes and the personnel who perform them. The VSM must model high standards of conduct and lead by example according to Legrand’s values. This position is responsible for ensuring that all products meet quality specifications, testing requirements and design criteria. The VSM will ensure that safety, quality, productivity and efficiency goals are met by closely monitoring operational metrics, identifying areas of improvement and taking appropriate action.

What Will You Do?

• Ensure full compliance with all Health & Safety regulations, proactively embedding Legrand’s safety culture across all shifts.
• Maintain high levels of employee morale, engagement, and accountability throughout the value stream.
• Lead, develop, and motivate both direct and indirect reports, ensuring strong leadership capability at every level.
• Model exemplary conduct, professionalism, and leadership in line with Legrand’s values.
• Lead teams to consistently produce high-quality products on time, meeting all customer and internal requirements.
• Supervise team members in line with Legrand’s leadership development standards, ensuring consistent coaching and expectations.
• Lead and manage all assigned manufacturing processes using Legrand Way Tier 2 meetings and structured visual management.
• Ensure all output meets departmental standards for safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, 6S, and budgetary performance.
• Develop, mentor, and upskill new and existing employees to help them achieve capability and career growth.
• Ensure seamless shift transitions through structured, clear, and well‑documented handovers.
• Maintain strong relationships and alignment between shifts, working effectively with off‑shift supervisors to ensure continuity.
• Play an active role in continuous improvement initiatives to support the organisation’s long‑term growth strategy.
• Serve as the key communication link between front‑line teams and all levels of management.
• Conduct corrective actions professionally and in accordance with company procedures, following management review.
• Monitor, evaluate, and continually improve production and quality processes in line with ISO 9001 requirements.
• Identify operational issues early and resolve them collaboratively with supervisors and Human Resources.
• Ensure adherence to all policies, guidelines, values, and operational standards.
• Provide informed input into departmental budgets and cost‑management priorities.
• Purchase non‑inventory supplies as needed to support value stream operations.
• Assist with hands‑on tasks when operational demand requires it, ensuring workflow continuity.
• Provide full oversight, governance, and enforcement of policies, processes, and performance across the entire value stream.
• Own, coordinate, and deliver all value‑stream projects, ensuring they meet agreed timelines and objectives.
• Set operational strategy, workflow standards, and communication structures across the value stream to drive alignment.
• Make informed, data‑driven decisions regarding staffing levels, workflow priorities, and resource allocation.
• Continuously identify, evaluate, and implement innovative improvements with measurable performance impact.
• Establish, track, and review value stream KPIs to ensure alignment with site and business objectives.
• Communicate expectations, changes, goals, and responsibilities clearly and consistently across all teams.
• Lead and drive organisational change initiatives with resilience, structure, and lessons learned.
• Escalate issues constructively while ensuring decisions uphold company values and performance goals.
• Validate supervisor feedback, provide continuous coaching, and proactively develop leaders within the value stream.
• Model strong emotional intelligence (EQ) in communication, decision‑making, conflict management, and team interactions.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (Required). Master’s Degree (MBA or MSc in Operations, Engineering Management, or Lean Enterprise) – Highly Preferred.
• Professional Certifications: Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (or equivalent), with proven delivery of measurable results. Formal training in Operational Excellence frameworks (e.g., Shingo Model, Toyota Production System, Kaizen Leadership).
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations roles, including leadership responsibility for end‑to‑end value stream or production operations. Proven ability to lead multi‑shift teams and drive operational excellence across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Skills / Knowledge / Abilities: Strong written and oral communication skills; able to influence at all levels and cascade clear direction across the value stream. Advanced knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), Kaizen, and 6S principles. Strong team‑building capability with the ability to coach supervisors, resolve conflict, and maintain a positive, high‑performance culture. High proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and operational reporting tools. Advanced working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (Infor Syteline preferred), including scheduling, capacity planning, and inventory control. Proven ability to lead large teams while delivering measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Demonstrated success in developing individuals and building leadership capability across multi‑shift operations. Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic manufacturing environment. Ability to plan, coordinate, and optimise workflow across the full value stream to meet business objectives. Ability to set operational strategy and establish communication flow to ensure alignment across departments. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret performance data and drive continuous improvement. Ability to implement and sustain change initiatives, applying lessons learned and continuous improvement thinking. Demonstrated emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership, decision‑making, communication, and collaboration.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

• Required exposure to manufacturing areas where the use of personal protective equipment is mandatory.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Able to lift and carry up to 25lbs.

Equal Opportunity Employer