Continuous Improvement Manager | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $92,000 - $139,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for driving operational efficiency and eliminating waste? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Plainwell seeking experienced Continuous Improvement 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 collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Plainwell region seeking Continuous Improvement Managers. 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

• Lead and facilitate lean manufacturing events (e.g., Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) to identify and eliminate waste.
• Develop and implement improvement strategies to optimize production processes and reduce operational costs.
• Utilize data analysis and statistical tools to identify root causes of inefficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
• Train and coach manufacturing teams on continuous improvement methodologies and tools.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and sustain improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Manage a portfolio of improvement projects from conception through successful implementation and sustainment.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 2 years in a dedicated continuous improvement role.
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Proven experience implementing and sustaining Lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in statistical analysis tools.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification.
• Experience with change management methodologies and tools.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Process Improvement Manager, Lean Manager, Six Sigma Manager, Operational Excellence Manager, Business Process Re-engineering Manager, Performance Improvement Manager, CI Manager, Continuous Improvement Lead, Productivity Manager, Quality & Continuous Improvement 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.