Production Lead - St. Johns Area

the-pivot-group-careers; St. Johns (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is seeking a Production Lead in St. Johns, MI to oversee daily production activities, mentor a team, and optimize schedules to meet deadlines.

This role emphasizes safety, quality control, and cross-department collaboration for improved production flow. The position requires 5+ years in manufacturing with at least 2 years in a leadership role, strong lean manufacturing knowledge, and ERP/MES tool proficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing production with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team to achieve production targets and quality standards.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with focus on root cause analysis.
• Proficiency in using MES and ERP software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Lead and mentor a team of production associates, fostering a positive work environment.
• Monitor production schedules and adjust staffing or processes to meet deadlines.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and quality control standards.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and resolve production issues promptly.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions.
• Collaborate with other departments to optimize production flow and achieve company goals.

Skills

Leadership/mentoring

Problem solving

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

MES/ERP proficiency

Tools

MES implementation

ERP software (SAP/Oracle/Plex)

Job description

Production Lead | St. Johns, MI

Salary Range: $52,000 - $79,000 depending on experience

Are you a dynamic leader 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 and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in St. Johns seeking experienced Production Leads to drive results.

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 collaborate with manufacturing companies in the St. Johns region seeking Production Leads. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Lead and mentor a team of production associates, fostering a positive work environment.
• Monitor production schedules and adjust staffing or processes to meet deadlines.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and quality control standards.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and resolve production issues promptly.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions.
• Collaborate with other departments to optimize production flow and achieve company goals.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing production, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team to achieve production targets and quality standards.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a focus on root cause analysis.
• Proficiency in using manufacturing execution systems (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

Bonus Qualifications

• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Plex)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent experience
• Experience with root cause analysis (RCA) methodologies and tools
• Basic understanding of PLC programming and industrial automation
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics

Job Titles That Should Apply

Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Lead, Team Lead - Production, Production Coordinator, Operations Lead, Shift Lead - Production, Production Team Leader, Production Group Leader, Manufacturing Supervisor, Production Foreman

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.