What does a Production Manager do?
Production managers determine the best way for a plant’s workers and its equipment to meet the company or plant’s production goals for goods including cars or paper, all while they ensure the production stays on schedule and within an allotted budget.
Production managers track and create production schedules according to client’s needs, specifications, and projected budgets, and discuss the logistics with their clients. They can train new employees, and they ensure the proper health and safety regulations are being adhered to throughout the duration of the production cycle. They also handle the scheduling for the routine maintenance of production equipment in use, and coordinate, plan, and direct activities that are used for the production of goods. They also create opportunities to make a process or procedure more efficient and determine if any new equipment or machines need to be procured. Production managers need a minimum bachelor’s degree in related industries, including supply chain management, industrial engineering, or business management.
- Set up production area to ensure the efficient use of personnel.
- Meet product standards, while maintaining, or improving product yield.
- Manage safety, quality, delivery and cost, and assure goals are meet.
- Report and respond to product and process non conformance issues.
- Supervise the quality of work produced during the shift.
- Handle operational readiness and safety of equipment and supplies.
- Work with employee teams, establish and lead improvement initiatives.
- Review bills of material and shop orders for accuracy.
- Direct and assign work, administer labor contract and compliance.
- Ensure a safe working environment is maintained at all times.
- Receive concerns, resolve problems and escalate as appropriate.
- Work to continuously manage and improve the products and processes.
- Coordinate all production systems and people on assigned shift.
- Coordinate and conduct employee training and monitor work performance.
- Review and hold staff accountable for performance.
- Analyze discrepancies to devise and implement a corrective plan of action.
- Plan, direct, or coordinate the manufacturing operations of the company.
- Analyze and resolve work problems, or assist workers in solving work problems.
- Monitor production rates, flow, and integrate changes as needed.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in business or engineering.
- Ability to lead, collaborate, and problem solve.
- Critical thinking and attention to detail.
- Able to multitask and assist with decision making.
- Comfortable with training teams and employees.
- Six Sigma or other relevant training.
Production Manager Salaries
Average Base Pay
Production Manager Career Path
Learn how to become a Production 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
Production Manager Insights
Vetco Veterinary Clinic“One veterinary doctor I had to work with on a regular basis was rude and abusive.”
Podcast Network Asia“Everyone was so welcoming and I always felt that my ideas and capabilities were encouraged.”
Anaheim Precision Manufacturing“I have worked on some of the most innovative and exciting projects of my entire career here”
TOKYOPOP“Founder/CEO Stu Levy was a true entrepreneur who created new revenue streams and always got the best out of us.”
Hoosier Wheel and Stamping“Great work and family balance good pay good benefits Tom stands behind everything that he says.”
Google“Things change quickly which is a good thing for innovation but you have to keep up!”
Cipla“As a fresher get a job in MNC company is a best opportunity to start our career”
K-Designers“✓ My team is highly skilled so we don’t have any problems meeting our clients’ expectations.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of production managers
The typical day of a production manager involves overseeing all the components of a plant, company, film, or project and making sure everything fits together and is running on schedule and on budget. They're often in charge of hiring and maximizing efficiency.
An advantage of being a production manager is the chance to split time between working in an office and at a project location. This career fits energetic people who are good at managing teams of people and bringing projects to fruition.
The average pay for a production manager in the U.S. is €55,362 per year. Starting salaries are around €38,707 per year, with the chance of earning as much as €80,000 per year as you gain experience and move into larger industries.
A difficult aspect of working as a production manager is that long hours and weekend work may be required, especially as projects are near completion. In addition, production managers are responsible for worker safety, which can be a source of stress.