Continuous Improvement Manager – Kalamazoo Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 92,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to join Kalamazoo-area manufacturing partners. This role focuses on driving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and leading cross-functional lean projects in a dynamic plant environment.

Responsibilities include mapping processes, Kaizen events, tracking KPIs, training teams, and coordinating with maintenance and engineering to sustain improvements across shifts. Salary range shown aligns with experience.

Qualifications

• Lean manufacturing experience in a production environment is required.
• Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis are essential.
• Strong data analysis and spreadsheet skills are required.
• Experience leading cross-functional project teams and driving results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with both hourly and salaried staff.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate improvement plans with maintenance and engineering.
• Lead continuous improvement projects across production areas.
• Map current processes and identify waste and bottlenecks.
• Facilitate kaizen events with production and support teams.
• Track key performance indicators and report progress to leadership.
• Train supervisors and operators in lean tools and methods.
• Standardize work instructions and best practices across shifts.
• Support root cause analysis for recurring quality and downtime issues.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Kaizen

5S

Value stream mapping

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Spreadsheet skills

Cross-functional leadership

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor degree in engineering, operations, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Job description

Job Description:

Continuous Improvement Manager | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $92,000 – $139,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for driving operational efficiency and eliminating waste? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We collaborate with leading companies in the Kalamazoo area seeking experienced Continuous Improvement Managers.

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 Manager opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Galesburg, Comstock, Oshtemo, and Parchment.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing firms in the Kalamazoo area that seek skilled Continuous Improvement Managers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and look for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Usual Responsibilities

• Coordinate improvement plans with maintenance and engineering.
• Lead continuous improvement projects across production areas.
• Map current processes and identify waste and bottlenecks.
• Facilitate kaizen events with production and support teams.
• Track key performance indicators and report progress to leadership.
• Train supervisors and operators in lean tools and methods.
• Standardize work instructions and best practices across shifts.
• Support root cause analysis for recurring quality and downtime issues.

Recommended Qualifications

• Three to five years of lean manufacturing experience.
• Hands-on knowledge of kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis.
• Strong data analysis and spreadsheet skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional project teams.
• Clear written and verbal communication with hourly and salaried staff.
• Bachelor degree in engineering, operations, or related field.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume or automotive manufacturing.
• Familiarity with statistical process control.
• Project management certification.
• Experience with ERP or manufacturing execution systems.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lean Coordinator, Manufacturing Process Engineer, Quality Improvement Manager, Operations Improvement Specialist, Kaizen Manager, Lean Manufacturing Manager, Process Improvement Manager, Operational Excellence Manager, Continuous Improvement Engineer

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

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.

Required Skills:

Resume Data Offers Business Process Improvement Leadership Skills Lean Six Sigma Access Support Driving Organization Operational Excellence Six Sigma Operations Waste Business Process Analysis Key Performance Indicators Salary Hiring Partnerships Recruiting Process Improvement Compensation Operational Efficiency Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Administration Preparation Data Analysis Engineering Business Training Leadership Communication

Salary Package:

$ 92,000.00 – 139,000.00 (US Dollar)