Production Manager - Plainwell Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Plainwell (MI); On-site; USD 86,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Plainwell, MI is seeking a Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations, align staffing, and ensure on-time production.

The role emphasizes Lean and Six Sigma, cross-functional collaboration with engineering and supply chain, safety compliance, and cost optimization, with a salary range of $86,000–$126,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing production management.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, scheduling, and inventory control (ERP/MRP).
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop production teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations to ensure efficiency and schedules.
• Develop and implement production plans including staffing and materials.
• Monitor product quality and implement corrective actions.
• Manage and mentor production staff through hiring, training, and evaluations.
• Optimize processes to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

ERP/MRP systems

Staff mentoring

Production planning

Quality improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

SAP/Oracle ERP systems

Excel

Power BI/Tableau

Job description

Production Manager | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $86,000 - $126,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for leading production teams and meeting manufacturing goals? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in Plainwell seeking experienced Production Managers.

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 collaborating with manufacturing firms in Plainwell that are seeking skilled Production Managers. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations to ensure efficiency and adherence to schedules.
• Develop and implement production plans, including staffing, material requirements, and equipment utilization.
• Monitor product quality and implement corrective actions to maintain high standards.
• Manage and mentor production staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Optimize production processes to improve productivity and reduce operational costs.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as supply chain and engineering, to achieve production goals.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing production management.
• Proven experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, and inventory control systems (e.g., ERP/MRP).
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop production teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and their implementation
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated experience in new product introduction (NPI) processes

Job Titles That Should Apply

Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager, Plant Manager, Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Supervisor, Production Lead, Production Coordinator, Production Director, Head of Production, Factory Manager, 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.