Value Stream Manager, Operations Northbrook, IL At HuFriedyGroup, we are building the future of manufacturing at our Northbrook facility. We are seeking a hands-on operational leader to drive performance, continuous improvement, and culture across a critical manufacturing value stream. This role offers the opportunity to lead transformational change while influencing safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and cost performance across a complex and highly skilled manufacturing environment. Position Summary The Value Stream Manager, Operations is responsible for the end-to-end performance of an assigned manufacturing value stream, from raw material through finished product. This leader drives operational excellence while leading teams across a diverse manufacturing environment that includes precision machining, assembly, polishing, welding, heat treating, inspection, automation, and other manufacturing processes. The role is accountable for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost (SQDIC) results and serves as a key leader in advancing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day operations for an assigned manufacturing value stream.
- Drive performance across safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and cost metrics.
- Develop and lead frontline leaders and production teams.
- Implement lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and productivity initiatives.
- Identify and remove operational barriers affecting throughput, quality, and customer commitments.
- Partner cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Maintenance teams.
- Drive labor planning, staffing alignment, and resource allocation.
- Lead process improvements, automation initiatives, and operational excellence projects.
- Champion a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Escalate and address risks impacting safety, quality, customer delivery, financial performance, or talent development.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
- Progressive manufacturing leadership experience within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated success leading production teams, supervisors, and cross-functional initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience with ERP systems and operational performance management.
- Proven ability to lead change, improve productivity, and deliver measurable business results.
- Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership skills.
What Success Looks Like
- Safe operations with a strong safety-first culture.
- Consistent achievement of customer delivery commitments.
- Improved productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
- Engaged teams with strong leadership development and accountability.
- Successful implementation of continuous improvement and automation initiatives.
Why Join HuFriedyGroup? Join a team committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement while helping shape the future of manufacturing at our flagship Northbrook facility. You'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful change, develop high-performing teams, and make a direct impact on business performance and customer satisfaction. HuFriedyGroup is an Equal Opportunity Employer.