Value Stream Manager

Role Overview

The Value Stream Manager (VSM) – University Park, IL is a crucial leadership role within the organization. The individual in this position will be responsible for leading the Manufacturing Management Team, including Production Supervisors, Team Leads, and Direct Labor. They will be responsible for overseeing production operations, ensuring safety and compliance with health and environmental regulations, managing budgets, and developing and implementing plans for the business unit, which comprises of multiple value streams.

Key Accountabilities

• P&L and Financial Performance
  • Own value stream financial performance, including cost control, productivity, inventory, and contribution margin
  • Develop and execute annual operating plans for the value stream (production, labor, material cost, inventory, and capital)
  • Drive cost reduction, productivity improvement, and waste elimination to support margin expansion
  • Partner with Finance and site leadership to ensure accurate forecasting, reporting, and financial discipline
• Operations & Manufacturing Excellence
  • Lead all value stream production activities to deliver best-in-class safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory
  • Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives, including waste elimination and flow optimization
  • Ensure effective production planning, material flow, and inventory control to meet customer demand
  • Champion standard work, visual management, and KPI-driven performance to sustain operational discipline
  • Drive continuous improvement in product quality, process capability, and waste reduction
• Commercial & Customer Focus
  • Support customer satisfaction through reliable on-time delivery, high-quality output, and responsiveness
  • Partner with Sales, Customer Service, and Planning to align production with customer requirements
  • Support new business wins and customer-specific requirements through operational readiness and execution
• Leadership & Organization
  • Lead and develop the Manufacturing Management Team, including Production Supervisors, Team Leads, and Direct Labor
  • Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
  • Set clear goals and expectations aligned to value stream and site objectives
  • Drive talent development, capability building, and succession planning within the value stream
• Engineering & New Product Introduction (Interface)
  • Partner with Engineering to ensure manufacturability, cost efficiency, and scalable production processes
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) through strong cross-functional coordination and execution
  • Ensure smooth product transitions into production with minimal disruption to safety, quality, and delivery
• Health, Safety & Compliance
  • Lead a strong safety culture with the objective of zero incidents
  • Ensure full compliance with all health, safety, and environmental standards
  • Support broader company ESG, ethics, and compliance initiatives

Success Profile

• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing environment (e.g., Value Stream Manager, Production Manager, or similar)
• Demonstrated success in driving operational performance and continuous improvement
• Experience in machining, assembly, or engineered product environments preferred
• Exposure to value stream management, lean manufacturing, and flow-based operations

Core Capabilities

• Results-oriented with a strong, hands-on operational leadership style
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, flow, and lean principles
• Solid financial acumen with ability to link operational drivers to financial outcomes
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and influencing capability
• Able to manage complexity across multiple product lines or value streams

Leadership Attributes

• Visible, disciplined leader with high integrity and accountability
• Ability to engage and align teams around clear priorities and performance goals
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, metrics-driven manufacturing environment
• Effective change agent with a focus on sustainable results
• Primary Focus: Value stream performance (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost)
• P&L Ownership: Partial (value stream level)
• Engineering Ownership: No (strong interface)

What IMI Can Offer You

• Multiple health plans to choose from: HMO, PPO, and High Deductible Health Plans with a low-cost share
• Best-in-class 401K plan with zero vesting and up to 6% contribution matching
• 14-week maternity leave at full pay (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
• 4-week paternity leave at full pay (Adoption benefits are equivalent)
• Employee Resource Groups that offer community and support, like our Pride Network and Network of Women groups
• PTO, encompassing inclusive holidays
• Career Development opportunities (IMI’s ‘Catalyst’ Program)
• Employer contribution for Health Savings Account, and in many cases free virtual telemedicine, and teletherapy
• Mental Health and wellness programs to support you and your family
• Full suite of voluntary benefits to tap into, including but not limited to: Critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity, legal insurance, identity theft protection, and pet insurance or home & auto insurance through our discount advantage platform
• Short & long-term disability as well as basic life insurance at 2x your basic salary at no cost to the employee
• Free financial advisors, webinars, and classes through Charles Schwab
• Annual Employee Stock Purchase Plan with option to purchase IMI shares at a reduced employee only price - no opportunity to lose, only to profit or refund your investment