Value Stream Manager

Value Stream Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Legrand

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and optimise manufacturing processes while ensuring safety and quality standards.
  • Company: Join Legrand, a leader in Data Centre Power and Control solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving operational excellence and leading dynamic teams.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in relevant field and 8+ years of manufacturing experience required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

  • Description
  • At a Glance
  • 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.

Responsibilities

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

Required Skills

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.
  • 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).

Professional certifications such as preferred

  • Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfg E).
  • APICS/ASCM CPIM or CSCP.
  • IOSH/NEBOSH (for safety-critical environments).

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.

Value Stream Manager employer: Legrand

Legrand is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Sr. Applications Engineer role based in Reading, UK. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, Legrand offers mentorship opportunities, continuous improvement initiatives, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects in the data centre power and control sector. The remote nature of this position allows for flexibility while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to customer satisfaction and technical excellence.

Legrand

Contact Details:

Legrand Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Value Stream Manager

Join Local Manufacturing Groups

Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!

Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces

Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!

Leverage the Power of Internships

While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.

Apply Directly Through Company Websites

When you find a role at a company you love, like Legrand, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!

We think you need these skills to ace Value Stream Manager

Leadership Skills
Lean Manufacturing
Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred)
Kaizen
6S Principles
Operational Excellence Frameworks
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Legrand specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!

Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!

How to prepare for a job interview at Legrand

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Legrand, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.

Technical Questions Are Key

Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.

Align Your Values with Quality and Safety

In a full-time role, companies like Legrand value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.