Plant Manager | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $142,000 - $193,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for leading manufacturing operations and driving plant performance? 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 Portage seeking experienced Plant 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 partner with manufacturers across Portage seeking Plant Managers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily plant operations, including production, quality, maintenance, and logistics.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team of supervisors and production staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Develop and manage the plant budget, controlling expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, sales, and supply chain, to meet customer demands and achieve business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the implementation of Lean manufacturing principles and other methodologies.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations
• Proven track record of improving production efficiency, cost reduction, and quality metrics
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop high-performing teams
• Experience with budgeting, P&L management, and capital expenditure planning

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a diverse team.
• Familiarity with automation and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Plant Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Operations Manager, Factory Manager, General Manager (Plant), Site Manager (Manufacturing), Plant Operations Manager, Production Operations Manager, Manufacturing Plant 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.