Continuous Improvement Manager – Portage Area

The Pivot Group Careers

Portage (MI)

On-site

USD 87,000 - 133,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

The Pivot Group Careers in Portage, MI is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to lead lean initiatives and drive waste reduction in manufacturing environments.

Ideal candidates bring lean, kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, and strong data analysis to sustain improvements. This role emphasizes quality and sustained performance across Portage area facilities.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, or related field.
Lean manufacturing experience with 3–5 years preferred.
Experience leading cross-functional project teams.

Responsibilities

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.
Coordinate improvement plans with maintenance and engineering.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Leadership

Communication

Process improvement

Kaizen

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP systems

MES

Spreadsheet skills

Job description

Job Description:

Continuous Improvement Manager | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $87,000 - $133,000 depending on experience

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for driving operational efficiency and eliminating waste? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections and supporting community growth. We collaborate with leading companies in the Portage area seeking experienced Continuous Improvement Managers to drive results.

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 Portage in Kalamazoo County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Three Rivers, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg, and Constantine.

The Opportunity

We work with companies in the Portage area that add Continuous Improvement Managers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you’re looking for.

Usual Responsibilities

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.
Coordinate improvement plans with maintenance and engineering.

Recommended Qualifications

Experience leading cross-functional project teams.
Clear written and verbal communication with hourly and salaried staff.
Bachelor degree in engineering, operations, or related field.
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.

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

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

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. 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, 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.

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