Production Lead – Rockford Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Rockford (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network seeks a Production Lead in the Rockford, MI area. This role supports manufacturing teams, ensuring quality and smooth shift operations. You will train operators, monitor output, and coordinate tasks with supervision to keep runs on pace.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in production, ability to lead small teams, and comfort with standing for extended periods. Visa sponsorship is not available; local work authorization is required.

Qualifications

• Two or more years in production or assembly in manufacturing.
• Experience directing small teams on a line or in a cell.
• Ability to read work instructions and schedules.
• Comfort with shift work and standing for long periods.
• Basic math and recordkeeping for output and scrap.

Responsibilities

• Train operators on station tasks and sign off on competency checks.
• Keep work areas clean and ensure tools are staged.
• Support shift start meetings and relay quality alerts or changes.
• Assign daily tasks and adjust for absences or issues.
• Monitor line output against schedule and report shortfalls.
• Ensure adherence to standard work and safety rules.
• Troubleshoot minor stops and escalate unresolved maintenance.
• Track scrap and downtime and hand off notes to the next lead.

Skills

Production experience

Team leadership

Read work instructions

Math skills

High school diploma

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Description:

Production Lead | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $50,000 – $77,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking 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 in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in the Rockford area seeking skilled Production Leads.

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 Rockford in Kent County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Greenville, Belding, Sparta, and Cedar Springs.

The Opportunity

We work with companies in the Rockford 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

• 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.
• Check that operators follow standard work instructions and safety rules during the shift.
• Help troubleshoot equipment stops and **escalate** maintenance issues that cannot be resolved quickly.
• Track scrap, rework, and downtime on shift records and hand off notes to the next lead.

Recommended Qualifications

• 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.
• Comfort with shift work and standing for extended periods.
• Basic math and recordkeeping skills for output and scrap tracking.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Bonus Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certificate in a manufacturing field.
• Familiarity with production tracking software or ERP shop floor modules.
• 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.

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out 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.

Required Skills:

Resume Safety Regulations 5S Offers Kaizen Support Lean Manufacturing Six Sigma Operations ERP Salary Computer Skills Hiring Partnerships Corrective Actions Recruiting Spanish Compensation Word Continuous Improvement SAP Quality Control PowerPoint Manufacturing Excel Regulations Oracle Preparation Software Leadership Microsoft Office Management

Salary Package:

$ 50,000.00 – 77,000.00 (US Dollar)