Find more about the qualifications needed, wages, required work experience, and degrees in production management.
To generate desired outputs, such as products, production management controls manufacturing and manages production inputs including raw materials, capital, and labour. Regardless of the size of the organisation, managing production is essential in manufacturing. This becomes crucial as a business expands and the complexity of managing intended output increases.
What does production management serve as?
The goal of production management is to track and boost the effectiveness of the processes, supplies, human capital, and financial resources used to manufacture items. The results of production differ depending on the industry. A production manager makes sure that manufacturing meets the desired output targets while staying on schedule and on budget.
Job description for production management roles
The duties of a production manager can vary depending on the industry and level of the position, but generally speaking, they may include the following:
1.Directing production processes and focusing on inputs to produce results
2.Making and keeping track of work schedules and spending plans
3.Keeping an eye on manufacturing to find methods to boost productivity and procedures. operations
4.Effectively communicating with coworkers, stakeholders, suppliers, and consumers
5.Control the quality and safety procedures.
6.Control a production crew
7.Identify, assess, and fix any manufacturing or staffing issues.
Skills needed to work in production management
Production management requires a specialised skill set that combines technical and workplace abilities.
Technical skills
- Competency with technical equipment
- Six Sigma
- Business skills
- Equipment maintenance
- Knowledge of industry regulations
Workplace abilities
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Management and leadership
Extremely organised
Being able to multitask
Observation of details
Critically analysing
Decision-making
Plan strategically
Logical strategy
Production management-dependent industries
Production management is essential to industries that produce goods. Jobs in production management can differ by industry and include:
Vehicle Chemical Food Machinery
metal and manufactured goods
technology and computers
Manufacturing of fabricated metal products,
Followed by the production of transportation equipment, is the sector with the highest employment rate, according to the BLS.
Common production management job titles and salaries
The duties of various production management positions, titles, and remuneration vary. You might wish to broaden your search to include jobs that are similar to production manager roles rather than just production management roles.
Here are a few product management positions and their typical pay:
*As of August 2022, Glassdoor is the source of all salary information.
1. Production manager
Average salary (US): $57,256
By effectively managing inputs including time, manpower, efficiency, materials, and costs, a production manager can successfully manage the production process and ensure that the company’s manufacturing goals are accomplished (outputs).
2. Manufacturing manager
Average salary (US): $82,221
A manufacturing manager oversees the daily operations of the manufacturing facility. They manage personnel, plan budgets, and plan schedules. The position is quite similar to that of a production manager, with the difference being that a production manager is in charge of the entire production process, whereas a manufacturing manager is in charge of the machinery and the people that operate it.
3. Assistant production manager
Average salary (US): $54,419
An assistant production manager supports the production manager with their duties. Their tasks are similar but at a level below.
4. Industrial production manager
Average salary (US): $57,771
In an industrial plant, a production manager is in charge of managing production and manufacturing. They are responsible for planning the production and overseeing the employees, resources, and procedures.
5. Plant manager
Average salary (US): $86,823
A plant manager is in charge of overseeing production and operations, managing workers, ensuring employee safety, and working toward production targets.
6. Operations manager
Average salary (US): $58,240
An operations manager serves on the senior management team and is in charge of everyday operations and production. They also make business choices. They may also hire and train workers as they work to enhance production procedures.
How to become a production manager
It’s a good idea to be competent in all areas, including skills, education, training, experience, and certifications, in order to become a production manager.
Training
A new employee will frequently spend the first several months receiving on-the-job training to become familiar with the business and their duties.
If you can finish an internship in production or manufacturing, that will help you discover the procedures and comprehend the sector.
Experience
For the most part, experience is required to work in leadership, production, and management positions. Some people take up entry-level jobs to gain experience or advance from prior leadership roles.
Certifications
Having relevant certificates can help your CV stand out in the competitive job market, and certain employers may require specific relevant certifications. There are several certificates available, such as:
Certificate in Manufacturing Management (CTME)
Certification as an incident safety officer with fire suppression (ISO)
Achieving Production and Inventory Management Certification (CPIM)
CMQ/OE certification for managers of quality and organisational excellence
Principal Project Manager (MPM)
Related Training & Certification Courses
3.Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Basics of Maintenance Management
4.Certified ‘Lean Expert – Silver Level’
5.Certified ‘Lean Expert – Gold Level’
6.Certified Production Planning and Control (PPC) for Professional
7.Certified Operation / Production Management Professional
Important Note:
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.