What does a Production Manager do?
Production Managers oversee the entire manufacturing or production process to ensure products are made efficiently, on time and meet quality standards.They aim to improve processes and structures for better performance. They may also help maintain or upgrade equipment to increase efficiency.
Production Managers typically work closely with the production team, supporting and guiding employees. They also frequently work with Managers of other departments to coordinate production efforts. A quality Production Manager can help reduce problems with your products and increase profits by effectively controlling production costs.
Production Manager skills and qualifications
A successful Production Manager has a range of leadership and production skills. Some skills and qualifications you might add to your Production Manager job description include:
- Effective project management skills, such as project scoping and task management
- Familiarity with production equipment, such as conveyors, and maintenance needs
- Ability to operate high-tech production equipment and software programs, such as enterprise resource management (ERP), manufacturing execution systems (MES) and project management software
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies
- Knowledge of industry safety and health codes and regulations, such as machine guarding and personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Proficiency in budgeting and cost control techniques, such as earned value management or life cycle costing
- Knowledge of production processes, such as mass or continuous production
- Understanding of quality assurance (QA) principles
Production Manager experience requirements
Production Managers may begin in entry-level roles within the production department and transition into supervisory roles, such as Warehouse Supervisor or Production Supervisor. They typically have previous experience overseeing manufacturing or production operations, with a proven track record of managing teams, meeting production goals and ensuring quality standards.
You might prefer candidates with production experience in a similar industry, particularly if you operate a business in the food industry or other highly regulated fields. It can also be helpful to find applicants with experience in project management or your company’s production software programs.
Production Manager education and training requirements
Since Production Manager roles don’t require a specific level of education, you may choose to prioritize demonstrated skills and practical experience over formal education alone. Effective Production Managers often gain expertise through hands-on work managing production teams, optimizing processes and ensuring quality and safety compliance.
You might also look for candidates Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) from the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) or those with a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Production Manager salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Production Manager is $82,745 per year. The exact salary may depend on the job location, company type, industry and experience level.
Production Manager salary expectations
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Common salary:
83294.61 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
25000.00 -175000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
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Production Manager job description FAQs
Who reports to Production Managers?
Production team members typically report to the Production Manager, who oversees the team’s daily responsibilities and performance reviews. Some production departments may have additional leadership roles, such as an Assistant Production Manager or a Production Supervisor, who work more closely with the team’s contributors.
What is the difference between a Production Manager and a Manufacturing Manager?
Production Managers typically lead the entire production process, from raw materials to usable products. Manufacturing Managers handle daily tasks related to the manufacturing process. Additionally, they might help with equipment setup and troubleshooting, safety protocols and manufacturing projects.
What settings do Production Managers typically work in?
Production Managers can work for any company with a production process. They typically work in an office environment, managing scheduling and strategizing. However, they might visit the production and warehouse facilities frequently to meet with the team. Depending on the operation’s size and layout, this may require travel to off-site facilities.
What makes a good Production Manager?
An effective Production Manager typically has strong technical skills and an understanding of various machinery and tools. Leadership, time management and organizational skills can also be beneficial, as they may help the individual lead and motivate the production staff.
When searching for candidates, consider those who have strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities to handle unexpected issues.
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