Operations Manager - Battle Creek Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 109,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Resume feedback

Interview preparation

Market insights

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is seeking an experienced Operations Manager in Battle Creek, MI to oversee daily production, implement policies, and mentor staff. This role partners with manufacturing teams to optimize productivity, maintain safety, and drive quality across processes.

Qualified candidates bring 5+ years in manufacturing operations, Lean expertise, strong leadership, and ERP proficiency. The network supports careers with market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related field is required.
• 5+ years of operations management experience in manufacturing.
• Strong Lean manufacturing knowledge and continuous improvement background.
• Proven leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities to ensure efficiency and schedules.
• Develop and implement operational policies to optimize productivity and quality.
• Manage production staff including hiring, training, and evaluations.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with supply chain for materials.
• Analyze production data to identify improvements and implement actions.
• Ensure safety and quality standards across manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D on new products and process improvements.

Skills

Operations management

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Continuous improvement

Data-driven decision making

ERP software proficiency

Multilingual

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Operations Manager | Battle Creek, MI

Salary Range: $109,000 - $158,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for optimizing business operations and driving organizational success? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Battle Creek seeking experienced Operations Managers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. 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.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Battle Creek region seeking Operations Managers. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities to ensure efficiency and adherence to schedules.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to optimize productivity and quality.
• Manage and mentor production staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with supply chain to ensure timely material availability.
• Analyze production data and metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards across all manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D teams on new product introductions and process improvements.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in operations management within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of improving production efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing quality.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems and other manufacturing software.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification.
• Experience with ERP system implementation or optimization.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., SQL, Power BI, Tableau).
• Multilingual, particularly in languages relevant to the company's supply chain or workforce.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Operations Manager, Operations Director, Head of Operations, Business Operations Manager, VP of Operations, Director of Operations, Senior Operations Manager, Operations Lead, Operations Supervisor, Operations 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.

The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.