General Manager – Portage Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Careers is seeking General Manager opportunities in Portage, MI. We partner with local manufacturers to identify leaders who can drive plant performance and strategic initiatives.

Successful candidates will have strong manufacturing leadership experience, a track record of budgeting and cost control, and a commitment to safety and continuous improvement. This full-time role is based in the Portage area and connected to The Pivot Group Network.

Qualifications

• OSHA knowledge and environmental regulations familiarity.
• Proven leadership of production teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field.
• 8+ years in manufacturing with several in a leadership role.
• Experience budgeting and managing plant P&L.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations and production schedules.
• Set and manage the annual operating budget.
• Lead hiring, training, and performance reviews for plant staff.
• Enforce safety programs and environmental compliance.
• Track output, quality, and cost metrics and act on gaps.
• Coordinate maintenance and capital equipment projects.
• Build relationships with key customers and suppliers.
• Report operating results to ownership or corporate leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Budgeting

Safety regulations

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Manufacturing software

Job description

Job Description:

General Manager | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $125,000 – $175,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for excelling as a general manager? 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 Portage area seeking experienced General Managers 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 General 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 partner with organizations in the Portage area that seek General Managers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and look for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Usual Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations and production schedules.
• Set and manage the annual operating budget.
• Lead hiring, training, and performance reviews for plant staff.
• Enforce safety programs and environmental compliance.
• Track output, quality, and cost metrics and act on gaps.
• Coordinate maintenance and capital equipment projects.
• Build relationships with key customers and suppliers.
• Report operating results to ownership or corporate leadership.

Recommended Qualifications

• Knowledge of OSHA and environmental regulations.
• Strong record of leading and developing production teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field.
• Eight or more years in manufacturing with several in a leadership role.
• Record of managing plant budgets and profit and loss.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Bonus Qualifications

• Six Sigma or lean certification.
• Experience with plant startups or expansions.
• Background in the same industry segment.
• Experience with ERP or manufacturing software systems.
• Master’s degree or MBA.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Facility Manager, General Manager Operations, Vice President of Manufacturing, Works Manager, Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Director of Operations, Site 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.

Required Skills:

Resume Safety Regulations Offers Support Lean Manufacturing Development Driving Operations Waste Cost Control Compliance Salary Hiring Partnerships Recruiting Compensation Operational Efficiency Product Development Continuous Improvement R Manufacturing Interpersonal Skills Budgeting Regulations Negotiation Administration Preparation Engineering Business Training Leadership Sales Communication Management

Salary Package:

$ 125,000.00 – 175,000.00 (US Dollar)