Production Lead - Battle Creek Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 56,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Battle Creek, MI is seeking a Production Lead to oversee daily production activities, mentor a team of operators, and ensure safety and quality on the shop floor. The role focuses on driving efficiency, coaching staff, and maintaining high standards of output.

You will monitor schedules, adjust staffing, troubleshoot equipment, and perform regular quality checks while implementing lean improvements to boost productivity and reduce waste.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in manufacturing production with leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team in a high‑performance environment.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Excellent problem-solving and data‑driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Lead and mentor a team of production operators on the shop floor.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and company policies.
• Monitor production schedules and adjust staffing/workflows to meet targets.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and production issues; escalate when needed.
• Conduct regular quality checks to ensure products meet specifications.
• Identify and implement process improvements to boost productivity and reduce waste.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Team motivation

Quality mindset

Education

Six Sigma Green Belt (cert)

Tools

ERP

MES

Job description

Production Lead | Battle Creek, MI

Salary Range: $56,000 - $83,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for excelling in production lead? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Battle Creek, seeking experienced Production Leads to strengthen their teams.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Lead and mentor a team of production operators, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and company policies.
• Monitor production schedules and adjust staffing or workflows as needed to meet targets.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and production issues, escalating when necessary.
• Conduct regular quality checks and ensure products meet specifications.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce waste.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing production, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Strong understanding of production processes, lean manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze data and implement effective solutions.
• Proficient in using manufacturing software and systems (e.g., ERP, MES) for production planning, tracking, and reporting.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen).
• Proficiency in using ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop team members.
• Certification in a relevant field (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt, PMP).

Job Titles That Should Apply

Production Lead, Manufacturing Lead, Team Lead - Production, Production Supervisor, Production Coordinator, Operations Lead, Shop Floor Lead, Production Team Leader, Assembly Lead, Line Lead

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.