Production Lead – Kentwood Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Kentwood (MI); On-site; USD 57,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Kentwood, MI is seeking a Production Lead to guide shift operations and ensure adherence to standard work and safety protocols. This role offers a salary range based on experience and a steady path for career growth within the manufacturing sector.

We partner with Kentwood-area manufacturers to identify qualified leaders who can optimize line performance, improve quality, and mentor operators.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of hands-on production or assembly experience in manufacturing.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read work instructions and production schedules.
• Experience directing or coaching small teams on a line or in a work cell.
• Familiarity with quality documents and basic math for tracking output.

Responsibilities

• Check that operators follow standard work instructions and safety rules during the shift.
• Help troubleshoot equipment stops and elevate maintenance issues that cannot be resolved quickly.
• Track scrap, rework, and downtime on shift records and hand off notes to the next lead.
• Train new operators on station tasks and sign off on basic competency checks.
• Keep work areas clean and confirm tools and materials are staged for the next run.
• Support shift start meetings and communicate quality alerts or schedule changes to the team.
• Assign daily work tasks to production line staff and adjust assignments when absences or line issues occur.
• Monitor line output and pace against the daily schedule and report shortfalls to the supervisor.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Data Analysis

Leadership

Manufacturing

Minitab

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Excel

ERP systems

OSHA

Job description

Job Description:

Production Lead | Kentwood, MI

Salary Range: $57,000 – $84,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for excelling as a production lead? 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 Kentwood area seeking Production Leads 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 Production Lead opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Kentwood in Kent County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Lowell and Ada.

The Opportunity

We work with companies in the Kentwood area that add Production Leads 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

• Check that operators follow standard work instructions and safety rules during the shift.
• Help troubleshoot equipment stops and elevate maintenance issues that cannot be resolved quickly.
• Track scrap, rework, and downtime on shift records and hand off notes to the next lead.
• Train new operators on station tasks and sign off on basic competency checks.
• Keep work areas clean and confirm tools and materials are staged for the next run.
• Support shift start meetings and communicate quality alerts or schedule changes to the team.
• Assign daily work tasks to production line staff and adjust assignments when absences or line issues occur.
• Monitor line output and pace against the daily schedule and report shortfalls to the supervisor.

Recommended Qualifications

• Comfort with shift work and standing for extended periods.
• Basic math and recordkeeping skills for output and scrap tracking.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two or more years of hands‑on production or assembly experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Prior experience directing or coaching small teams on a line or in a work cell.
• Ability to read work instructions, production schedules, and basic quality documents.

Bonus Qualifications

• Formal lean or continuous improvement training such as kaizen or 5S.
• Forklift or powered industrial truck certification.
• Experience with quality systems or ISO audit participation.
• Associate degree or technical certificate in a manufacturing field.
• Familiarity with production tracking software or ERP shop floor modules.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Production Supervisor, Line Lead, Shift Lead, Team Leader, Manufacturing Team Lead, Assembly Lead, Production Coordinator, Cell Leader, Group Leader, Operations Lead

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:

Minitab Resume Safety Regulations Data Offers Osha Output Lean Six Sigma Cost Reduction Support Product Quality Six Sigma Operations Waste Regulatory Requirements Analysis ERP Compliance Salary Hiring Partnerships Corrective Actions Recruiting Organizational Skills Compensation Continuous Improvement SAP Manufacturing Excel Regulations Oracle Preparation Data Analysis Software Maintenance Leadership Communication Management

Salary Package:

$ 57,000.00 – 84,000.00 (US Dollar)