Operations Manager - Plainwell Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Plainwell (MI); On-site; USD 102,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Plainwell, Michigan, is seeking an Operations Manager to lead daily production, optimize processes, and drive Lean initiatives in a manufacturing environment. This role involves mentoring supervisors and coordinating with the supply chain to ensure timely delivery.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years of operations experience, a Bachelor's degree, and experience with Lean/Six Sigma. ERP familiarity (SAP/Oracle) and data-driven decision making are a plus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of operations management experience in manufacturing.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to optimize production, supply chain, and logistics.
• Strong leadership with data-driven problem solving.
• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations for efficiency and adherence to schedules.
• Develop policies to optimize productivity and quality.
• Mentor production supervisors and line workers.
• Monitor KPIs and drive corrective actions to meet targets.
• Coordinate with supply chain for timely material flow and delivery.
• Lead lean initiatives to reduce waste and improve cost efficiency.
• Ensure safety and quality standards compliance.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Team leadership

Data-driven decisions

Production optimization

KPIs

Education

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

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

Operations Manager | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $102,000 - $149,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented 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 fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in Plainwell 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 Plainwell 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 operations to ensure efficiency and adherence to schedules.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to optimize productivity and quality.
• Manage and mentor a team of production supervisors and line workers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions to achieve operational targets.
• Collaborate with supply chain and logistics to ensure timely material flow and product delivery.
• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives to reduce waste and improve operational cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and quality standards within the manufacturing facility.

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 experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to manage and optimize production processes, supply chain, and logistics
• Strong leadership skills with experience in team management and development
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities with a focus on data-driven solutions

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification
• Experience with ERP system implementation (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Bilingual in Spanish or Mandarin

Job Titles That Should Apply

Operations Director, Head of Operations, Business Operations Manager, Operations Lead, Director of Operations, Senior Operations Manager, Regional Operations Manager, Global Operations Manager, VP of Operations

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.