Continuous Improvement Leader – Grand Rapids Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is actively seeking a Continuous Improvement Leader for Grand Rapids, MI, to drive lean programs across manufacturing environments. The role emphasizes 5S, value stream mapping, and cross‑functional collaboration with quality and maintenance teams.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor in engineering or related field, 3+ years in lean manufacturing, and hands-on Kaizen/5S experience. Salary ranges from $90,000 to $137,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering, operations, or a related field.
• Three or more years of manufacturing experience in a lean environment.
• Hands-on knowledge of lean tools such as kaizen, 5S, and value stream mapping.

Responsibilities

• Support 5S, value stream mapping, and visual management efforts.
• Coordinate improvement priorities with quality and maintenance teams.
• Document process changes and verify that gains are sustained.
• Lead continuous improvement projects across production areas.
• Facilitate kaizen events and root cause analysis sessions.
• Track key performance indicators and report progress to plant leadership.
• Coach supervisors and operators on lean tools and standard work.
• Identify waste and develop action plans to reduce it.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Kaizen

5S

Value stream mapping

Data analysis

Cross functional teams

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor degree in engineering/operations

Tools

Minitab

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

Job Description:

Continuous Improvement Leader | Grand Rapids, MI

Salary Range: $90,000 – $137,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for excelling as a continuous improvement leader? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in the Grand Rapids area seeking experienced Continuous Improvement Leaders to strengthen their teams.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan’s manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Continuous Improvement Leader opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Grand Rapids in Kent County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including East Grand Rapids and Northview.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across the Grand Rapids area seeking Continuous Improvement Leaders who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Usual Responsibilities

• Support 5S, value stream mapping, and visual management efforts.
• Coordinate improvement priorities with quality and maintenance teams.
• Document process changes and verify that gains are sustained.
• Lead continuous improvement projects across production areas.
• Facilitate kaizen events and root cause analysis sessions.
• Track key performance indicators and report progress to plant leadership.
• Coach supervisors and operators on lean tools and standard work.
• Identify waste and develop action plans to reduce it.

Recommended Qualifications

• Clear written and verbal communication with hourly and salaried staff.
• Bachelor degree in engineering, operations, or a related field.
• Three or more years of manufacturing experience in a lean environment.
• Hands‑on knowledge of lean tools such as kaizen, 5S, and value stream mapping.
• Strong data analysis and problem solving skills.
• Experience leading cross functional project teams.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience in automotive, food, or other high volume production.
• Familiarity with statistical process control and Minitab.
• Prior supervisory or team lead experience.
• Training or facilitation certification.

Job Titles That Should Apply

• Industrial Engineer
• Operational Excellence Specialist
• Kaizen Facilitator
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Quality Improvement Engineer
• Continuous Improvement Engineer
• Lean Manufacturing Engineer
• Process Improvement Specialist
• Continuous Improvement Manager
• Lean Coordinator

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who’ve been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic – they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search – market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we’ll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.

Required Skills:

Resume Data Offers Kaizen Lean Six Sigma Access Support Lean Manufacturing Organization Operational Excellence Six Sigma Process Optimization Operations Waste Business Process Analysis Visualization Key Performance Indicators Salary Hiring Partnerships Employee Engagement Recruiting Process Improvement Compensation Data Analytics Analytical Skills Continuous Improvement Optimization Analytics Manufacturing Tableau Power BI Administration Preparation Data Analysis Engineering Business

Salary Package:

$ 90,000.00 – 137,000.00 (US Dollar)