Highlights
The VSM Specialist will work directly with plant operations, engineering, quality, and cross-functional teams to map current-state processes, design future-state value streams, and drive implementation of improvement actions. We are seeking a highly skilled Lean Academy and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Leader to spearhead the development and implementation of Lean methodologies across our manufacturing facilities and diverse skill teams.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Dearborn, MI |
Description
We are seeking a highly motivated Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Specialist to support manufacturing teams in identifying waste, improving process flow, and enabling continuous improvement. The VSM Specialist will work directly with plant operations, engineering, quality, and cross-functional teams to map current-state processes, design future-state value streams, and drive implementation of improvement actions.
This role is ideal for an early-career Lean practitioner looking to deepen their expertise and contribute to high‑impact operational improvement initiatives across Ford manufacturing sites.
We are seeking a highly skilled Lean Academy and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Leader to spearhead the development and implementation of Lean methodologies across our manufacturing facilities and diverse skill teams.
What you'll do...
Value Stream Mapping
- Conduct current-state and future-state Value Stream Mapping events at the process, department, and system levels.
- Document material and information flow, identify bottlenecks, and highlight improvement opportunities.
- Support teams in developing actionable implementation plans based on VSM outcomes.
Continuous Improvement & Kaizen Support
- Assist in planning and facilitating kaizen workshops focused on quality, productivity, flow, safety, and standardization.
- Partner with operations teams to execute improvement actions identified through VSM and kaizen events.
- Track progress, remove roadblocks, and report results to leadership.
Data Analysis & Process Support
- Collect and analyze process data to validate improvement needs and measure impact.
- Support manufacturing teams with Lean tools such as 5S, standard work, problem-solving, and visual management.
- Maintain documentation and sustainment plans for continuous improvement activities.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with plant leadership, engineers, team leaders, and other stakeholders
Communicate findings clearly through presentations, reports, and visual tools.
Uphold Lean principles and assist in strengthening the continuous improvement culture across sites.
What you'll do...
Value Stream Mapping
- Conduct current-state and future-state Value Stream Mapping events at the process, department, and system levels.
- Document material and information flow, identify bottlenecks, and highlight improvement opportunities.
- Support teams in developing actionable implementation plans based on VSM outcomes.
Continuous Improvement & Kaizen Support
- Assist in planning and facilitating kaizen workshops focused on quality, productivity, flow, safety, and standardization.
- Partner with operations teams to execute improvement actions identified through VSM and kaizen events.
- Track progress, remove roadblocks, and report results to leadership.
Data Analysis & Process Support
- Collect and analyze process data to validate improvement needs and measure impact.
- Support manufacturing teams with Lean tools such as 5S, standard work, problem-solving, and visual management.
- Maintain documentation and sustainment plans for continuous improvement activities.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with plant leadership, engineers, team leaders, and other stakeholders
Communicate findings clearly through presentations, reports, and visual tools.
Uphold Lean principles and assist in strengthening the continuous improvement culture across sites.