Plant Manager – Rockford Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Rockford (MI); On-site; USD 141,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is seeking a Plant Manager in the Rockford, MI area to lead manufacturing operations and drive plant performance. The role offers a salary range of $141,000–$192,000 depending on experience, with responsibilities spanning cost control, safety, and continuous improvement.

Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration are essential. This opportunity places you with Michigan-based manufacturers near Rockford, Greenville, and surrounding towns.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods.
• Record of meeting safety, quality, and delivery targets.
• Budget and cost control experience.

Responsibilities

• Control operating costs and track plant spending against budget.
• Lead continuous improvement projects to raise quality and efficiency.
• Coordinate with supply chain, quality, and engineering on plant issues.
• Direct daily plant operations to meet production schedules and customer delivery dates.
• Manage staffing, training, and performance for production and support teams.
• Monitor output, scrap, and downtime, and act on variances.
• Enforce safety programs and correct unsafe conditions.
• Oversee maintenance to keep equipment running and reduce unplanned stoppages.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Budget management

Leadership

Manufacturing operations

Quality management

Safety compliance

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description:

Plant Manager | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $141,000 – $192,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for leading manufacturing operations and driving plant performance? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We collaborate with leading companies in the Rockford area seeking Plant Managers to lead and enhance their operations.

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 Plant Manager opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Rockford in Kent County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Greenville, Belding, Sparta, and Cedar Springs.

The Opportunity

We work with companies in the Rockford area that add Plant Managers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you’re looking for.

Usual Responsibilities

• Control operating costs and track plant spending against budget.
• Lead continuous improvement projects to raise quality and efficiency.
• Coordinate with supply chain, quality, and engineering on plant issues.
• Direct daily plant operations to meet production schedules and customer delivery dates.
• Manage staffing, training, and performance for production and support teams.
• Monitor output, scrap, and downtime, and act on variances.
• Enforce safety programs and correct unsafe conditions.
• Oversee maintenance to keep equipment running and reduce unplanned stoppages.

Recommended Qualifications

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods.
• Record of meeting safety, quality, and delivery targets.
• Budget and cost control experience.
• Ability to lead and develop hourly and salaried teams.
• Strong problem solving and communication skills.
• Experience managing manufacturing operations or a production department.

Bonus Qualifications

• Six Sigma or lean certification.
• Experience with ERP and production reporting systems.
• Experience with plant startups or expansions.
• Familiarity with ISO or similar quality systems.
• Background in maintenance or reliability planning.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Plant Superintendent, Director of Operations, General Manager, Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Operations Manager, Site Manager, Value Stream Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Production 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 Leadership Skills Output Inventory Production Planning Supply Chain Cost Reduction Support Lean Manufacturing Driving Operational Excellence Six Sigma Operations Quality Management ERP Compliance Salary Hiring Partnerships Accountability Recruiting Compensation Supply Expenses Continuous Improvement Inventory Management Manufacturing Regulations Materials Administration Preparation Software Planning Engineering Business Leadership Sales Communication Management

Salary Package:

$ 141,000.00 – 192,000.00 (US Dollar)