Value Stream Manager (Finishing)

Our client, a global leader in professional tools and materials for the construction industry, has required us to search for a Value Stream Manager (VSM) for the Finishing (plating) area at their Matamoros manufacturing facility.

Position Summary: The Value Stream Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing the plating/finishing operations to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are consistently achieved. This role oversees the end-to-end value stream in the finishing area, coordinating production teams, maintenance, planning, and continuous improvement initiatives to deliver operational excellence. The Value Stream Manager drives strategic improvements, ensures compliance with environmental and safety standards, and strengthens collaboration across departments to support customer requirements and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily operations for the plating/finishing value stream, ensuring production goals, safety standards, quality metrics, and delivery schedules are met.
• Develop and execute strategies to improve throughput, reduce scrap, optimize labor efficiency, and minimize downtime.
• Implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives across the value stream.
• Manage and coordinate cross-functional teams, including production supervisors, operators, maintenance, and quality personnel.
• Monitor and analyze production KPIs; drive corrective actions and performance improvement plans.
• Oversee compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations relevant to plating operations and chemical handling.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Planning to ensure material flow, capacity planning, and resource alignment.
• Lead root cause analysis for process issues and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure adherence to customer specifications, internal standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop talent within the team through coaching, training, and performance management.
• Manage budgets, resources, and capital requests for the finishing area.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, preferably with plating, finishing, or surface treatment processes.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with a track record of improving productivity and quality.
• Knowledge of safety and environmental regulations related to chemical processes and plating operations.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in both Spanish and English.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in construction materials manufacturing or metal finishing.
• Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Background in implementing ISO, IATF, or other quality management systems.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership & Team Development
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Operational Excellence
• Safety & Compliance Focus
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Data-Driven Decision Making

This role is ideal for a proactive leader who can drive efficiency, quality, and innovation in a high-demand finishing environment while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.