Continuous Improvement Manager - Kalamazoo Area

Continuous Improvement Manager | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $89,000 - $135,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for driving operational efficiency and eliminating waste? The Pivot Group is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Kalamazoo seeking experienced Continuous Improvement Managers.

The Opportunity

We are working with companies in Kalamazoo that are adding Continuous Improvement Managers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen events to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Drive cost reduction, waste elimination, and efficiency improvements across production lines.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement through training, coaching, and employee engagement.
• Utilize data analysis and process mapping to identify improvement opportunities and measure impact.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable process changes.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track improvement progress and sustain gains.

Recommended Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, VSM) and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multiple improvement projects from conception to completion, delivering measurable results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to root cause analysis and solution implementation.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and training skills to engage employees at all levels and foster a continuous improvement culture.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related technical field.

Bonus Qualifications

• Proficiency with advanced statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP)
• Experience integrating Continuous Improvement with Industry 4.0 technologies (e.g., IoT, automation)
• Master Black Belt certification
• PMP certification or equivalent project management qualification

Job Titles That Should Apply

Continuous Improvement Manager, Process Improvement Manager, Lean Six Sigma Manager, Operational Excellence Manager, Business Process Improvement Manager, CI Manager, Process Optimization Manager, Lean Manager

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group 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.

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. The Pivot Group 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.