How To Become A Value Stream Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a value stream manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

A value stream manager oversees the end-to-end production process of a company. They optimize processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase profitability. This involves identifying bottlenecks in the production process, implementing new technologies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Value stream managers also monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and identify areas for improvement. They aim to create a lean manufacturing system that maximizes value for customers while minimizing waste and reducing costs.

ScoreValue Stream ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.8

Avg. Salary $107,526

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.9

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 9.14%

Black or African American 3.84%

Hispanic or Latino 13.14%

Unknown 3.87%

White 69.51%

Gender

female 11.89%

male 88.11%

Age - 48

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48

Stress level

9.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

9.3

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

2.2

Work life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a value stream manager?

Pros

Opportunity to drive process improvement
Exposure to senior leadership and visibility within the company
Opportunity for career advancement and growth
Opportunity to lead and mentor a team of professionals
Competitive salary and benefits package

Cons

High level of stress and pressure to meet deadlines and achieve results
Long hours and potentially unpredictable work schedule
Potential for conflict or difficult conversations with team members or other stakeholders
Limited control over external factors that can impact the value stream, such as market shifts or supply chain disruptions
Challenging to strike a balance between maintaining quality standards while also meeting production targets

Key steps to become a value stream manager

Explore value stream manager education requirements

Most common value stream manager degrees

Bachelor's

67.9 %

Master's

14.9 %

Associate

12.5 %

Start to develop specific value stream manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Value Stream	18.35%
Lean Manufacturing	11.01%
Sigma	4.14%
On-Time Delivery	3.73%
Process Improvement	3.19%

Complete relevant value stream manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New value stream managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a value stream manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real value stream manager resumes.

Research value stream manager duties and responsibilities

Oversee and manage all TPMO activities to increase OEE while maintaining throughput.
Manage day-to-day operations for two CNC machine shops that produce heads and blocks for company equipment.
Lead sigma program driving quality, productivity and delivery improvements.
Schedule the monthly production plan and perform the product quality control base on ISO standard.

Prepare your value stream manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your value stream manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a value stream manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable value stream manager resume templates

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