How to Become a Production Manager
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Production Manager
What does a Production Manager do?
A Production Manager manages operations of production areas to ensure that volume, cost, waste, and quality standards are achieved. Follows overall production schedules to manage staffing and establish daily and shift production goals. Being a Production Manager monitors shift production metrics to identify and resolve issues and implement process improvements. Coordinates maintenance, turnarounds, and downtime for efficiency and speed. Additionally, Production Manager ensures that staff training processes, equipment, gear, and tool requirements are fulfilled to comply with health and safety regulations. Coaches teams in best practices to provide a safe and efficient work environment and resolve escalated issues and problems. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a senior manager. The Production Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Production Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
A production manager typically supervises workers in a factory or manufacturing plant to ensure efficiency.
Managers usually need to possess strong communication and problem-solving skills to make sure that manufacturing processes run smoothly and that workers are kept safe at all times.
Production managers usually work on-site in factories to monitor activity and give directions to workers.
Executives and other supervisors provide managers with information about market demand and budgets so that they can set production schedules.
If production falls behind for any reason, managers can determine the best ways to get back on schedule.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Production Manager
Best tips for those who want to become a Production Manager
Here are some tips to become a Production Manager.
Don’t be afraid to take a unique path to your goal.
Ensure that you have full production details up front.
Establish measurable and reportable criteria for success.
Select team members and responsibilities carefully.
Evaluate the production when complete.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Production Manager
Best colleges and universities for Production Manager
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Production Manager
Is being a Production Manager Worth it?
As a manufacturing production manager, you will be involved with all the planning and control of manufacturing processes.
Some production managers really have their work cut out for them because there are companies who are involved with not one, but many kinds of production, simply adding to the complexity of the production manager’s job.
You have to be able to work well with people because every day they will be involved with a team of people from the pre-production stage to the completion of the products and their distribution This will involve liaising with the like of production engineers- and supervisors as well as controllers and planners.
4pm – As a production manager you will have lots of up and downs highly dependent on if the customer receives their product in time or not.
Has to be constantly motivating and encouraging an entire team of workers – at the same time the production manager has to identify where some of the workers may require additional training.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Production Manager
What skills do you need to be a Production Manager?
In order to drive yourself and your team to success, in a management position you need to have a broad base of skills. For success in this position, you effeciency with these skills is key: Automation, Bilingual, Bill of Materials Management, Calibration, Capacity Planning, Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Instrument Control, Manufacturing Management, Material Science, Materials Requirement Planning (MRP), Plant Lifecycle Management, Process Management, Process Manufacturing, Process Mapping, Production Planning, Production Scheduling, Value Stream Mapping. For this role, you will need to be adept in with: ERP Systems. Although every company varies in their requirements, these competencies will help you in this role.
Proficient with different production management software – Visual ERP, PlanetTogether, Planvisage SCM and JDA factory planning software.
Whether you are getting into industrial, medical or entertainment industry, make sure to tailor fit your Production Manager skills list according to the employer’s qualifications.
A good production manager should be able to explain fluently all the business targets, procedures and timelines to everyone involved in the process.
For an entry level Production Manager resume, you will have to place more focus on the objective statement, skill sets, training and education to get noticed by the recruiter.
Proper time management skills are crucial for a production manager to be effective.
Step 6: View average salary for Production Manager
How much does a Production Manager make?
The average salary range for a Production Manager is from $109,470 to $144,888. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
-
View average salary for the United States
-
Adjust salary by state
Average salary for Production Manager jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Production Manager jobs, and apply.
Looking for Production Manager jobs?
Here are some Production Manager jobs in the United States.