Operations Manager | Kentwood, MI

Salary Range: $101,000 - $148,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for optimizing business operations and driving organizational success? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We collaborate with leading companies in the Kentwood area seeking experienced Operations Managers.

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 Operations Manager 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 partner with manufacturers across the Kentwood area seeking Operations Managers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Usual Responsibilities

• Track output, scrap, and downtime metrics and report them to leadership.
• Enforce safety rules and lead incident investigations.
• Coordinate maintenance to reduce unplanned equipment failures.
• Control operating costs within the approved budget.
• Work with quality and supply chain teams to resolve production issues.
• Drive continuous improvement projects on the floor.
• Oversee daily production schedules and adjust plans when lines fall behind.
• Manage plant staff, including hiring, training, and performance reviews.

Recommended Qualifications

• Experience with safety programs and regulatory compliance.
• Proven record of meeting output and cost targets.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related field.
• Five or more years in manufacturing operations, including supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods.
• Strong understanding of production planning and inventory control.

Bonus Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with ERP or manufacturing execution systems.
• Background in ISO 9001 or similar quality systems.
• Prior responsibility for capital projects or plant expansions.
• Bilingual communication skills for a diverse workforce.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Plant Manager, Production Manager, Manufacturing Operations Manager, Operations Director, Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Manager, Site Manager, Continuous Improvement Manager, General Manager Manufacturing, Value Stream Manager

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

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.