Plant Manager - Battle Creek Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 137,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is seeking a Plant Manager in Battle Creek, MI to lead daily manufacturing operations and drive plant performance.

Responsibilities include overseeing production, quality, maintenance, and logistics; developing strategic plans to improve efficiency and profitability; mentoring supervisors and staff; ensuring safety and regulatory compliance; and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet business objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business administration, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Proven track record of improving production efficiency, quality, and safety metrics.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, control costs, and drive financial performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily plant operations, including production, quality, maintenance, and logistics.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team of supervisors and production staff, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality management systems.
• Control operational budgets, analyze cost variances, and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, engineering, and supply chain, to meet business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the application of Lean manufacturing principles and other methodologies.

Skills

Leadership experience

Budget management

Lean manufacturing

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Team mentorship

Education

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

Job description

Plant Manager | Battle Creek, MI

Salary Range: $137,000 - $188,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for leading manufacturing operations and driving plant performance? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Battle Creek seeking skilled Plant 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 Plant 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 all daily plant operations, including production, quality, maintenance, and logistics.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team of supervisors and production staff, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality management systems.
• Control operational budgets, analyze cost variances, and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, engineering, and supply chain, to meet business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the application of Lean manufacturing principles and other methodologies.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business administration, or a related field
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations
• Proven track record of improving production efficiency, quality, and safety metrics
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, control costs, and drive financial performance
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g., automation, IoT, AI).
• Proven track record in sustainability initiatives or environmental management systems.
• Bilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Plant Operations Manager,Manufacturing Manager,Production Manager,Factory Manager,Operations Director,Site Manager,General Manager,Industrial Plant Manager,Production Operations Manager,Facilities Operations 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.