About this role
The Value Stream Manager (VSM) is accountable for the end-to-end performance of an assigned manufacturing value stream, from raw material receipt through finished goods shipment. This role owns Safety, People, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Customer Value (SPQDCC) outcomes for the value stream and ensures disciplined execution of the ASD Lean Operating System.
Reporting directly to the Site Leader / Plant Manager, the Value Stream Manager integrates production, materials, quality, maintenance, and engineering resources to deliver stable, predictable performance while continuously improving flow, capability, and cost. This role is both execution-focused and improvement-driven, serving as the primary owner of daily management, problem solving, and value stream optimization.
Value Stream Ownership (End-to-End Accountability)
• Own end-to-end value stream performance from order release through shipment.
• Serve as the single point of accountability for SPQDCC performance within the value stream.
• Align production, materials, quality, and maintenance priorities to support flow and takt adherence.
• Escalate constraints and risks through Tiered Management routines.
2. Safety Leadership (S)
• Lead a visible, proactive safety culture within the value stream.
• Ensure adherence to all EHS standards and ASD Safety Golden Rules.
• Participate in daily safety walks, hazard identification, and near-miss follow-up.
• Ensure corrective actions from incidents and audits are implemented and sustained.
3. People Development & Engagement (P)
• Lead, coach, and develop Supervisors and Team Leaders.
• Ensure skills matrices are maintained and training plans are executed.
• Reinforce Leader Standard Work (LSW) expectations across the value stream.
• Build a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
4. Quality & Built-In Quality (Q)
• Own first-pass yield, defect reduction, and adherence to Quality Control Plans.
• Ensure SOPs, JDS, and standard work are current, audited, and followed.
• Lead structured problem solving for quality defects, internal scrap, and customer complaints.
• Partner with Quality to drive root cause elimination and prevention.54. Delivery & Flow (D)
• Own schedule adherence, takt achievement, and on-time completion for the value stream.
• Lead Tier 3 daily management meetings to review performance, constraints, and recovery actions.
• Partner with Materials & Planning to ensure material availability, sequencing, and flow.
• Drive stability through leveling, pull systems, and visual management.
5. Cost & Productivity (C)
• Own labor productivity, scrap, rework, overtime, and conversion cost performance.
• Manage headcount to labor maps based on takt, volume, and mix requirements.
• Identify and execute cost-out, productivity, and waste-reduction opportunities.
• Ensure disciplined labor planning, staffing, and cross-training.
6. ASD Lean Operating System Execution
• Execute ASD Lean Operating System routines within the value stream.
• Own Tier 3 daily management cadence and escalation to Tier 4 as required.
• Lead PDCA, A3, and team-based problem solving (minimum one structured problem per value stream per 90 days).
• Ensure 5S, visual management, and standard work sustainment.
• Support annual Value Stream Mapping design and transformation planning (Kaizen, Projects, etc.)
• Support annual Lean Operating system assessment
7. Continuous Improvement & Transformation
• Lead value stream mapping and future-state implementation.
• Partner with Lean, IE, and Manufacturing Engineering on layout, flow, and process improvements.
• Support automation, digitalization, and standardization initiatives.
• Ensure improvements are sustained through audits, standard work, and visual controls.
Leadership Expectations
• Operates as a business owner, not just a production manager.
• Leads from the floor through presence, data, and disciplined routines.
• Balances urgency with stability and people development.
• Makes problems visible and drives structured resolution.
• Models ASD Lean Operating System standards, methodology and behaviors daily.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Business, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience with direct production responsibility.
• Demonstrated success leading teams in a Lean manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of flow, takt, standard work, and daily management systems.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive results through influence.
• Strong communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
Position Impact
• The Value Stream Manager is a critical driver of operational excellence at ASD. Success in this role directly impacts customer delivery, cost performance, employee engagement, and the sustainability of the ASD Lean Operating System. This position bridges strategy and execution, ensuring daily performance and long-term improvement move together.