Production Lead - Portage Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 51,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network works with Portage, MI-based manufacturers to identify and place skilled Production Leads. The role oversees daily production activities, mentors operators, enforces safety and quality standards, and coordinates with other departments to improve efficiency and product quality.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in manufacturing production with leadership experience, strong lean knowledge, and MES or similar software proficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing production with leadership experience.
• Ability to interpret production schedules, blueprints, and technical docs.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Experience troubleshooting production issues and corrective actions.
• Strong communication and team leadership skills.
• Proficiency with MES or similar software.

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 quality control standards.
• Monitor production schedules and adjust staffing or workflows to meet targets.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and process issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with other departments to optimize production processes and product quality.

Skills

5+ years manufacturing production

2+ years lead/supervisory

lean manufacturing

troubleshooting

communication

MES software

Tools

MES or production management software

Job description

Production Lead | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $51,000 - $78,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for excelling in production lead? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Portage seeking experienced Production Leads.

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 working with companies in Portage that are adding 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.

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 quality control standards.
• Monitor production schedules and adjust staffing or workflows to meet targets.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and process issues to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with other departments to optimize production processes and product quality.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing production, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proven ability to interpret production schedules, blueprints, and technical documents.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting production issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Proficiency in using manufacturing execution systems (MES) or similar production management software.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab)
• OSHA 30-hour certification

Job Titles That Should Apply

Production Lead, Manufacturing Supervisor, Production Supervisor, Team Lead Manufacturing, Production Coordinator, Production Foreman, Shift Lead Production, Operations Lead, Assembly Lead, Production Team Leader

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.