Value Stream Manager (m/f/d) Sheet Metal Processing & Electronics
nVent · Straubenhardt
We’re looking for people who put their innovation to work to advance our success – and their own. Join an organization that ensures a more secure world through connecting and protecting our customers with inventive electrical solutions.
The Value Stream Manager (VSM) is responsible for the end-to-end performance of the assigned value streams, focusing on sheet metal processing and electronics assembly. This role is pivotal in shaping, implementing, and continuously improving lean manufacturing practices. The VSM owns the operational performance of the value stream and leads cross-functional teams to improve productivity, eliminate waste, and strengthen manufacturing competitiveness. Overall accountability for safety, delivery, quality, productivity, cost targets, and continuous improvement execution rests with the VSM.
The VSM reports directly to the Plant Manager and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including Production, Lean, Engineering, Quality, Logistics, and Maintenance.
WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE IN THIS POSITION:
- Lead and manage the complete value stream for both sheet metal processing, front panels and electronics assembly, from raw material intake to final product shipment.
- Create lasting productivity, quality, and cost improvements by embedding lean manufacturing principles and systematically driving continuous improvement across the organization (Kaizen, 5S, VSM, TPM).
- Lead the end-to-end Lean transformation of the value stream, including the development of standard work, performance management frameworks, and the implementation of daily and visual management systems.
- Define, drive, and execute value stream strategies aligned with overall business goals to support growth, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
- Ensure the highest standards of safety and compliance in all production operations by fostering a zero-accident culture actively driving environmental, health, and safety initiatives.
- Monitor and analyze key performance indicators to identify improvement opportunities, initiate targeted action plans, and track execution and results.
- Coordinate multi-functional teams in solving production issues, optimizing workflow, and deploy standardized, best‑practice methodologies.
- Build, lead, and develop production supervisors, team leaders, and operational staff, driving a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
- Drive product and process development in close cooperation with R&D, Engineering, and Quality, especially for new product introductions or process changes in sheet metal or electronics.
- Lead capacity and resource planning activities in collaboration with order management / planning including production scheduling, optimal equipment utilization, and effective workforce planning.
- Drive digitalization and automation initiatives to improve process transparency, machine utilization, and data-driven decision making (e.g., Machine Metrics, MES systems).
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners, including customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities.
YOU HAVE:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 5+ years of professional experience in manufacturing, with a clear focus on sheet metal processing and/or electronics assembly.
- Proven track record in value stream management, lean manufacturing, and team leadership within an industrial or production environment.
- Extensive hands-on and demonstrated leadership in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement programs, including Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, TPM, Six Sigma, and operational performance management.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary production teams in a complex manufacturing environment.
- Understanding of manufacturing technologies and processes relevant to sheet metal (e.g., cutting, bending, welding, surface treatment) and electronics (e.g., SMD assembly, THT assembly, testing, final assembly).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, paired with the ability to make data-driven decisions and manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop diverse teams.
- Fluent communication and presentation skills in English and German.
- Experience working in a multicultural and dynamic environment; open to travel as required.
- Key Competencies:
- Inspirational leadership and sustainable team development.
- Strategic mentality with strong commercial and business sense.
- Proven change leadership with high resilience and adaptability.
- Operational excellence with a strong focus on process optimization and efficiency.
- Strong customer focus combined with a consistent results-driven approach.
- Effective stakeholder and collaborator management across functions and levels.
- Strong digital approach with a high affinity for automation and modern solutions
- Lean manufacturing leadership.
- Data‑driven, KPI‑focused decision‑making with solid financial understanding (e.g. P&L, Working Capital, Return of Invested Capital).
WE HAVE:
A dynamic global reach with diverse operations around the world that will stretch your abilities, provide plentiful career opportunities, and allow you to make an impact every day
nVent is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. We believe our inventive electrical solutions enable safer systems and ensure a more secure world. We design, manufacture, market, install and service high performance products and solutions that connect and protect some of the world's most sensitive equipment, buildings and critical processes. We offer a comprehensive range of systems protection and electrical connections solutions across industry-leading brands that are recognized globally for quality, reliability and innovation.
Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis. Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and includes nVent CADDY, ERICO, HOFFMAN, ILSCO, SCHROFF and TRACHTE. Learn more at www.nvent.com.
Commitment to strengthen communities where our employees live and work
We encourage and support the philanthropic activities of our employees worldwide
Through our nVent in Action matching program, we provide funds to nonprofit and educational organizations where our employees volunteer or donate money
Core values that shape our culture and drive us to deliver the best for our employees and our customers. We’re known for being:
Innovative & adaptable
Dedicated to absolute integrity
Focused on the customer first
Respectful and team oriented
Optimistic and energizing
Accountable for performance
Benefits to support the lives of our employees
At nVent, we connect and protect our customers with inventive electrical solutions. People are our most valuable asset. Inclusion and diversity means that we celebrate and encourage each other’s authenticity because we understand that uniqueness sparks growth.
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