Plant Manager – Traverse City Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Traverse (MI); On-site; USD 135,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is seeking a Plant Manager for opportunities in the Traverse City area. You will lead daily operations, manage production schedules, and drive improvements across safety, quality, and efficiency.

We partner with Michigan manufacturers who value strong leadership, cost control, and team development. Applicants authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship are preferred.

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.

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

Safety compliance

Budget & cost control

Team leadership

Problem solving

Operations management

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description:

Plant Manager | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $135,000 – $186,000 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 Traverse City 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 Traverse City in Grand Traverse County, within about 45 minutes of the city, including Elk Rapids, Kalkaska, Suttons Bay, and Empire.

The Opportunity

We partner with organizations in the Traverse City area that seek Plant Managers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and look for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

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

• Background in maintenance or reliability planning.
• 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.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Manufacturing Operations Manager, Site Manager, Value Stream Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Production Manager, Plant Superintendent, Director of Operations, General Manager, Production Supervisor

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 Data Offers Output Lean Six Sigma Supply Chain Support Capital Lean Manufacturing Driving Six Sigma Operations Waste Analysis ERP Compliance Salary Hiring Partnerships Recruiting Compensation Supply Continuous Improvement SAP Quality Control Manufacturing Regulations Oracle Materials Administration Preparation Data Analysis Maintenance Engineering Business Project Management Leadership Sales Communication Management

Salary Package:

$ 135,000.00 – 186,000.00 (US Dollar)