Senior Value Stream Manager

Position Summary

The Senior Value Stream Manager is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing end-to-end manufacturing operations across specific production lines and shifts within our Nature’s Bakery factory.  

You will lead production teams to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality production while managing strategic external relationships. Your blend of operational expertise and partnership management will be critical to the site’s ongoing success and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Relationship Management

• Foster transparent, proactive communication to resolve issues and ensure operational performance meets or exceeds expectations for all parties.
• Support contract negotiations, business planning, and strategic alignment with partners.
• Drive cost-sharing initiatives and identify opportunities for joint process optimization.
• Lead structured governance routines with partner leadership, including performance reviews and recovery planning.
• Ensure site execution aligns with service level agreements and commercial commitments.

Operational Leadership

• Direct production teams across multiple lines and shifts, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
• Implement daily governance and rapid escalation protocols to maintain operational stability.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to optimize line performance and achieve design capacity.
• Oversee capacity planning, equipment utilization, maintenance, and scheduling to maximize productivity.
• Champion the Nature’s Bakery Operating System, ensuring all operational procedures are current and effective.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational excellence.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, and mentor associates to build a high-performing, engaged workforce.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and alignment with Nature’s Bakery’s core values.
• Develop talent pipelines and succession plans to ensure future leadership continuity.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all products meet or exceed quality and food safety standards.
• Lead ongoing quality and food safety improvement initiatives.
• Prepare for and support regulatory and third-party audits, maintaining full compliance with industry standards.

Site Leadership & Crisis Management

• Collaborate with site leadership to develop and execute both short- and long-term strategic plans.
• Identify and recommend new technologies and process improvements to maintain site competitiveness and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field required; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, with a preference for food production environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in continuous improvement methodologies and problem-solving.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and audit processes (FSMA/PCQI certification preferred).