Value Stream Specialist Job

About the role

The Value Stream Specialist is responsible for managing, coordinating, and continuously improving manufacturing processes within the value stream. This role focuses on daily adherence to standard processes, driving waste elimination, and supporting production and maintenance teams. The position reports to the Value Stream Manager and may operate in various plant environments, including mineral fiber and hardwood manufacturing locations.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and leadership for process improvement personnel, typically overseeing a team of 4–5 individuals.
• Facilitate daily GEMBA walks and coach team members on process control standards, operational methodologies, troubleshooting techniques, and equipment capabilities.
• Lead continuous improvement projects and support resolution of operational issues through Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA), 5-Why, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Cookordinate operator training systems and support workforce development initiatives to strengthen operational capability and standardization.
• Plan and coordinate activities surrounding down days, shutdowns, holidays, and major maintenance events to ensure operational continuity and efficiency.
• Prioritize and coordinate daily maintenance, contractor, and production activities within the manufacturing environment.
• Support production planning efforts including raw material flow, inventory management, packaging operations, and quality requirements.
• Recommend process and operational improvements for annual capital and maintenance budget planning.
• Provide hands-on, on-shift technical support and assist in supervising day-to-day operations within assigned manufacturing areas.
• Develop and improve internal communication systems, manpower utilization strategies, and operational workflows across the plant.
• Lead Kaizen events by identifying participants, preparing agendas, facilitating improvement activities, conducting training, and tracking action items and performance measures.
• Organize, analyze, and interpret operational and manufacturing data sets to identify trends, systemic issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Aid in directing Kaizen teams, maintenance personnel, production teams, and support staff to achieve operational goals.
• Coordinate with business unit leadership on operational improvement initiatives, sustainability efforts, and plant performance objectives.
• Lead 5S initiatives, maintain SQDC boards, and support the development and sustainment of Standard Work processes and documentation.
• Operate in a highly operational and hands-on manufacturing leadership role requiring strong floor presence, multitasking ability, and active engagement with frontline operations teams.

What Will Make You Successful

• Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to develop teams and drive accountability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead process improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DMAIC, Kaizen, or related methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience conducting RCFA, 5-Why analysis, and data-driven operational improvements.
• Able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining focus on safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across operations, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to drive initiatives from planning through execution.
• Hands-on operational mindset with the ability to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor supporting production teams and troubleshooting issues in real time.
• Ability to leverage manufacturing systems and operational data to identify trends, improve processes, and drive measurable business results.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: High School Diploma or GED plus 5+ years of manufacturing experience, or a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical discipline. Experience applying Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies within a manufacturing environment. Supervisory or leadership experience preferred. Experience in continuous manufacturing operations preferred.
• Skills & Abilities: Strong project management and organizational skills. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to direct, coordinate, and influence the work of others. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and related business systems. Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, DMAIC, Six Sigma, Kaizen, RCFA / 5-Why methodologies. Ability to organize, analyze, and interpret data from multiple manufacturing systems and operational databases.
• Preferred Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Project Management Professional (PMP).