What does a value stream manager do?
A value stream manager is responsible for monitoring supply chain management operations and enhancing logistics performance to prevent operational delays and minimize waste loss. Value stream managers determine the strengths and weaknesses of every process within the supply chain and identify opportunities that would increase efficiency and growth, delivering high-quality outputs, and generating more resources for revenues. They also assist the whole production team in providing the highest customer service by responding to the customers' inquiries and concerns and resolving their complaints about products accurately and efficiently.
Value stream manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real value stream manager resumes:
- 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.
- Implement TPM, HACCP and GMP guidelines.
- Receive and maintain QS 9000 and ISO 14001 certification.
- Used KPIs as a baseline for process and continuous quality improvement.
- Host monthly safety training program and maintain employee safety and OSHA compliance.
- Develop training plan for new employees.o Assistant team leader for Kaizen event.
- Introduce KPIs, performance boards and visual management to improve performance and communications.
- Maintain compliance to all PTC, OSHA and EPA regulations within areas of operational control.
- Participate in daily Gemba walks to address issues, escalate recurring issues and provide solutions.
- Establish takt rate and fix day curing schedules to optimize radome layup cell workflow and eliminate bottlenecks.
- Head daily Gemba walks which improve understanding of in process issues associate with departments missing performance targets.
- Establish best practices and rules for improving all phases of operations and maintenance of the production lines resulting in improve OEE.
Value stream manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Value Stream Managers are proficient in Value Stream, Lean Manufacturing, and Sigma. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Leadership skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Value Stream Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Value Stream, 18%
Optimized employee engagement and training by providing value stream transformation support, guidance and continuous improvement and sustainability.
- Lean Manufacturing, 11%
Increased efficiency in snow control equipment line by implementing robotic welding and by utilizing lean manufacturing techniques.
- Sigma, 4%
Recognized the importance of process quality and consistency, and continually worked to improve it by initiating Lean/Six Sigma methodology.
- On-Time Delivery, 4%
Developed scheduling and tracking boards for internal processes resulting in increased on-time delivery of metal and forming areas.
- Process Improvement, 3%
Perform liaison between Management policy level positions and multiple shift manufacturing positions accountable for effective problem resolution and process improvements.
- Kaizen Events, 3%
Facilitate / co-facilitate KAIZEN events to implement pull systems and other LEAN concepts throughout the plant.
Common skills that a value stream manager uses to do their job include "value stream," "lean manufacturing," and "sigma." You can find details on the most important value stream manager responsibilities below.
Interpersonal skills. One of the key soft skills for a value stream manager to have is interpersonal skills. You can see how this relates to what value stream managers do because "industrial production managers must have excellent communication skills to work well other managers and with staff." Additionally, a value stream manager resume shows how value stream managers use interpersonal skills: "maintain good interpersonal skills with qa and department directors to identify and implement opportunities for improvements. "
Leadership skills. Many value stream manager duties rely on leadership skills. "to keep the production process running smoothly, industrial production managers must motivate and direct employees.," so a value stream manager will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways value stream manager responsibilities rely on leadership skills: "provide leadership necessary to drive results and continuous improvement in the organization. "
Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of value stream managers is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday value stream manager duties, as "production managers must identify and address problems that arise." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "led quick response quality control (qrqc) team which determined root causes and resolved quality issues by walking the process. "
The three companies that hire the most value stream managers are:
- Deloitte63 value stream managers jobs
- Twin City Fan Companies23 value stream managers jobs
- Raytheon Technologies19 value stream managers jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable value stream manager resume templates
Build a professional value stream manager resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your value stream manager resume.
Compare different value stream managers
Value stream manager vs. General milling superintendent
Plant superintendents must have skills in operations, productions, and management. They also need a 4-year degree in business or industrial management. Those who choose this career will be called upon to oversee a plant's manufacturing processes and to recommend improvements to increase productivity. They also enforce all state and federal regulations for plant operations and employee safety.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between value stream managers and general milling superintendent. For instance, value stream manager responsibilities require skills such as "value stream," "lean manufacturing," "sigma," and "on-time delivery." Whereas a general milling superintendent is skilled in "safety program," "maximo," "mill operations," and "haccp." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, general milling superintendents reach lower levels of education than value stream managers. General milling superintendents are 11.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 2.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Value stream manager vs. Plant superintendent
Production administrators support all artistic and production functions with expert administrative support to the entire production team. Part of their responsibilities includes maintaining the annual production expenses and production calendar, researching potential venues and maintaining a venue database, and preparing expense reports for artists and production staff. These administrators must be excellent in organization and planning skills, comfortable and flexible with evolving roles, and highly proficient in computer skills such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Office.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real value stream manager resumes. While value stream manager responsibilities can utilize skills like "value stream," "kaizen events," "kpis," and "lean six sigma," plant superintendents use skills like "plant safety," "plant operations," "human resources," and "asphalt."
Plant superintendents earn a lower average salary than value stream managers. But plant superintendents earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $116,194. Additionally, value stream managers earn the highest salaries in the manufacturing with average pay of $103,426 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Plant superintendents tend to reach lower levels of education than value stream managers. In fact, they're 7.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Value stream manager vs. Production administrator
A manufacturing director is primarily in charge of spearheading and overseeing a company's manufacturing procedures. Their responsibilities revolve around setting goals and objectives, coordinating and managing different departments, planning budgets, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing processes, implementing solutions, and developing strategies to optimize manufacturing operations. Furthermore, as a manufacturing director, it is essential to lead and encourage the workforce to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from value stream manager resumes include skills like "value stream," "lean manufacturing," "sigma," and "on-time delivery," whereas a production administrator is more likely to list skills in "data entry," "purchase orders," "windows," and "payroll. "
Production administrators earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $43,182. Comparatively, value stream managers have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $103,426.production administrators typically earn lower educational levels compared to value stream managers. Specifically, they're 10.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Value stream manager vs. Manufacturing director
Types of value stream manager
Updated January 8, 2025
