Operations Manager - Portage Area

Operations Manager | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $107,000 - $155,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for optimizing business operations and driving organizational success? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Portage seeking skilled Operations Managers.

The Opportunity

We are working with companies in Portage that are adding Operations 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

• Manage daily production operations, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet output targets.
• Implement and oversee continuous improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing principles, to optimize processes and reduce waste.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and implement robust quality control procedures across all production stages.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Monitor and manage operational budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities and ensuring financial efficiency.
• Oversee inventory management and collaborate with supply chain to ensure timely material availability and efficient logistics.
• Uphold and enforce safety protocols and regulatory compliance within all manufacturing activities.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proven experience (5+ years) in manufacturing operations management.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing and developing production teams.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of production planning, quality control, and safety regulations.
• Proficiency in budget management, cost control, and optimizing operational efficiency.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field.

Bonus Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification
• Proven experience implementing automation or Industry 4.0 initiatives
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Experience with new product introduction (NPI) processes in manufacturing
• Proficiency in a specific advanced ERP system (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud Manufacturing)

Job Titles That Should Apply

Operations Manager, Director of Operations, Head of Operations, Business Operations Manager, General Manager, Chief Operating Officer (COO), VP of Operations, Senior Operations Manager, Operations Lead, Operations Director

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.