Operations Manager - Ludington Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Ludington (MI); On-site; USD 106,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Ludington, MI connects manufacturing firms with top operations leadership. We’re seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee daily production, optimize processes, and lead a team toward higher efficiency and on-time delivery.

This role emphasizes lean principles, KPI tracking, and collaboration with engineering and quality teams to sustain safety and quality across all operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of operations management in manufacturing.
• Proven track record of improving production efficiency and reducing costs.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and CI methodologies.
• Experience with ERP systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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 inventory levels and supply chain logistics to minimize waste and ensure timely delivery.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of production supervisors and manufacturing personnel.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions to achieve operational targets.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality departments to improve processes and products.
• Ensure safety and quality compliance across all operations.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Team management

Continuous improvement

Education

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

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Operations Manager | Ludington, MI

Salary Range: $106,000 - $154,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for optimizing business operations and driving organizational success? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Ludington, seeking experienced Operations Managers to strengthen their teams.

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 are collaborating with manufacturing firms in Ludington that are seeking skilled Operations Managers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

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 inventory levels and supply chain logistics to minimize waste and ensure timely delivery.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of production supervisors and manufacturing personnel.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions to achieve operational targets.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality departments to improve product design and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards across all operations.

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 and reducing costs.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Bonus Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher
• Experience with an ERP system implementation or significant upgrade
• Proven track record of successful project management in a manufacturing setting
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and their practical application

Job Titles That Should Apply

Operations Manager, Director of Operations, Head of Operations, Operations Director, Operations Lead, Business Operations Manager, VP of Operations, Chief Operating Officer, COO, Operations Supervisor, Operations Coordinator, Operations Specialist, Process Improvement Manager, Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Manager

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.