Plant Manager - Traverse City Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 143,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Traverse City seeks an experienced Plant Manager to lead daily operations, safety, quality, and efficiency at a manufacturing site. You will drive performance and mentor a diverse team in a dynamic production environment.

Responsibilities include developing targets, optimizing resources, and advancing lean initiatives while collaborating with cross-functional partners to achieve business goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or business administration
• 7+ years leading manufacturing operations with 3+ years in a Plant Manager or senior leadership role
• Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and Six Sigma
• Experience managing plant budgets, P&L, and capital expenditures
• Strong leadership and coaching abilities

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations including production, maintenance, and quality control
• Develop strategies to hit production targets and cost efficiencies
• Mentor a diverse team fostering safety, productivity and continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies
• Optimize labor, materials, and equipment to maximize output and minimize waste
• Drive lean initiatives and data-driven continuous improvement
• Collaborate with supply chain, sales, and engineering to meet business objectives

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Financial acumen

Communication

Education

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

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Plant Manager | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $143,000 - $194,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for leading manufacturing operations and driving plant performance? 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 Traverse City seeking experienced 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 are collaborating with manufacturing firms in Traverse City that are seeking skilled Plant 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 all daily plant operations, including production, maintenance, and quality control.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve production targets and cost efficiencies.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team, fostering a culture of safety, productivity, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Optimize resource allocation, including labor, materials, and equipment, to maximize output and minimize waste.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through lean manufacturing principles and data analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including supply chain, sales, and engineering, to achieve business objectives.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a Plant Manager or similar senior leadership role.
• Proven track record in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing plant budgets, P&L, and capital expenditures.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Project management experience, particularly with capital projects
• Master's degree in a related field (e.g., Engineering, Business Administration)

Job Titles That Should Apply

• Operations Manager
• Production Manager
• Manufacturing Manager
• Plant Director
• Site Manager
• Factory Manager
• General Manager
• Production Operations Manager
• Manufacturing Operations Manager
• Plant Superintendent

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.