What does a Manufacturing Manager do?
Manufacturing managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the manufacturing process, either for an entire facility or for a specific department. They supervise staff, plan and approve production schedules, approve invoices, and manage budgets. They establish and enforce policies, and ensure all staff are meeting quality standards while also maintaining safe working conditions. They analyze and optimize processes to identify ways to improve efficiency and increase productivity. They may also negotiate with vendors and contractors.
Manufacturing managers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree, although an advanced degree is a plus. They often have a background in business, logistics, or a related role. They must have strong leadership skills and be able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Adhere to all quality and safety standards within the department.
- Support implementation of cost, quality, and service improvement initiatives.
- Assist in the design and build of tools and equipment.
- Establish or adjust work procedures to meet production schedules.
- Remove, pack, and sort raw materials or finished products.
- Lead all on-floor daily activities as per the production schedule.
- Participate in the selection and training of new personnel.
- Keep work area in a clean and orderly condition.
- Perform routine reviews on executed batch records and logbooks.
- Write Standard Operating Procedures and complete batch production records.
- Serve as a technical expert and coach for team members.
- Responsible for overseeing the resolution to all debug issues.
- Assist in the preparation of departmental budgets when required.
- Follow standard procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks.
- Perform safety audits as required.
- Work with production teams to ensure that goals are being met.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in business, computer science, or engineering or equivalent experience.
- A critical thinker who pays attention to detail.
- Prior experience in a consulting position.
- Use leadership skills to help with problem solving and strives for continuous improvement.
- Training in Six Sigma/ black belt preferred.
- Collaborate with others to ensure problem solving occurs in a timely and professional manner.
- Familiar with enterprise resource planning, Capas, CNC, and R Language.
- Searches for deviations and strives to improve procedures to minimize them.
- Use business acumen to assist with all aspects of the work.
Manufacturing Manager Career Path
Learn how to become a Manufacturing Manager, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Manufacturing Manager Insights
AGC Biologics“The salaried people are overworked and that doesnt make progressing in your career seem worth it.”
DISH“Career ladder for our hourly associates so they know and understand their personal career growth.”
INTEGRITY BIO“Good opportunities to learn on the development (R&D) part of the company in Thousand Oaks.”
Catalent Pharma“I was able to learn a lot with Catalent and I have nothing but good things to say about the company.”
Fruit of the Loom, Inc.“great place to work and friendly”
Markertek“worker didn't make them the way management and I had discussed AND QC PASSED THEM!!!!”
Phillips-Medisize“No bonuses and hardly any raise.”
Medtronic“Good good good good good”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Manufacturing Manager
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