Plant Manager - Walker Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 141,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Walker, MI is seeking a Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations, achieving production targets and quality standards. The role focuses on driving plant performance and Lean/Six Sigma improvements in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years of manufacturing leadership, experience managing budgets, and a track record of reducing costs while ensuring safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a Plant Manager or senior leadership role.
• Proven experience with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma.
• Demonstrated ability to manage P&L, develop budgets, and control costs effectively.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations, quality systems, and environmental compliance in a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and drive performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations, ensuring production targets and quality standards are met.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team of production, maintenance, and administrative staff.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental policies, and company standards.
• Optimize resource allocation, including labor, materials, and equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through Lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals and customer satisfaction.
• Manage plant budget, controlling operational expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Lean manufacturing principles

Six Sigma

P&L management

Budget control

Safety compliance

Education

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

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Plant Manager | Walker, MI

Salary Range: $141,000 - $192,000

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 Walker 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 partner with manufacturers across Walker seeking Plant Managers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations, ensuring production targets and quality standards are met.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team of production, maintenance, and administrative staff.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental policies, and company standards.
• Optimize resource allocation, including labor, materials, and equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through Lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals and customer satisfaction.
• Manage plant budget, controlling operational expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a 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 experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen)
• Demonstrated ability to manage P&L, develop budgets, and control costs effectively
• Strong understanding of safety regulations, quality systems, and environmental compliance in a manufacturing setting

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification
• Experience with a major ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)
• Fluency in Spanish or other relevant second language
• Demonstrated experience in a multi-site or global manufacturing environment

Job Titles That Should Apply

Plant Operations Manager,Manufacturing Manager,Production Manager,Factory Manager,Operations Manager,Plant Director,General Manager - Plant,Site Manager - Manufacturing,Production Operations Manager,Manufacturing 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.

The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we’ll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.