General Manager | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $127,000 - $177,000 depending on experience

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in {{role_field}}? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in Kalamazoo seeking General 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 partnering with organizations in Kalamazoo that are seeking General Managers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency and quality.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve production targets and business objectives.
• Manage financial performance, including budgeting, cost control, and forecasting.
• Lead and mentor a team of department managers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, environmental, and quality regulations.
• Drive process optimization and lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance productivity.
• Collaborate with sales and R&D to align production with market demands and new product introductions.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations
• Demonstrated experience in P&L management and financial acumen
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification
• Experience with ERP systems implementation or optimization
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop emerging leaders
• Proficiency in a second language relevant to the global manufacturing landscape

Job Titles That Should Apply

General Manager, GM, Operations Manager, Business Unit Head, Managing Director, Regional Manager, Executive Director, Branch Manager, Store Manager, Hotel General Manager

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.