The production manager is the professional in charge of organizing and controlling the production process in a factory. You also need to ensure that products are made to the correct specifications, ready on time, and within budget.
As a production manager, you will participate in the planning, coordination and control of manufacturing processes. It will ensure that goods and services are produced efficiently and that the correct quantity is produced at the appropriate cost and level of quality.
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The scope of work depends on the nature of the manufacturing system. Many companies are involved in various types of production, which increases the complexity of the role. They are also likely to be responsible for human and material resources.
Opportunities to be self-employed are limited, but if you have considerable production management experience, you can participate as a consultant to help companies implement new manufacturing systems.
Work can be stressful when there are problems or difficulties in meeting deadlines, but it can be very satisfying when goals are met.
Profile
It is required to have a basic degree at a higher level. However, depending on the type of industry you are trying to enter, some companies may request a specific specialty of the sector, such as:
- Business agency.
- Chemistry.
- Electrical and electronic engineering.
- Food science and technology.
- Mechanical Engineering.
- Science and technology of materials.
- Industrial engineering.
- Process engineering.
- Transportation, distribution or logistics.
If you have a degree not related to the above areas, it is still possible to become a production manager if you have enough motivation and the willingness to study to obtain the relevant professional qualifications.
You must have a deep knowledge of production management. You may also need to show that you have interest and skills in the industry.
It can be difficult to get into a production manager without having a title or any relevant qualifications. However, it may be possible to work in small roles from a young age to a production manager. You will have to gain experience and also show the will to develop within a company.
Abilities
- Planning and organization skills to be able to execute and supervise the production process.
- Ability to act decisively and solve problems related to the work team.
- Ability to easily grasp concepts.
- Knowledge of information technology, to deal with various technologies and programs.
- Attention to detail in order to guarantee high levels of quality.
- Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with your team, managers and clients.
- Strong negotiation skills to get materials on budget, at the right time.
- Ability to work under pressure, motivating others to responsibly meet established deadlines.
- Ability to work in a logical and systematic way.
- Strong decision-making skills and a results-based approach.
- Understanding of quality standards and industrial hygiene and safety regulations.
- Knowledge of the concepts of performance evaluation and budget.
- Experience in reporting on key production indicators.
- Exceptional communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
Features
Production managers ensure that manufacturing processes are run reliably and efficiently. They coordinate, plan and direct the activities used to create a wide range of products, such as automobiles, computer equipment or paper products.
In large companies, there may be strong relationships between production management and the roles of strategic or general management, and marketing or finance.
You can also participate in the design and purchase of products. At some larger firms, planners, controllers, production engineers, and supervisors will help you. The role can be integrated with other functions, such as marketing, sales, and finance.
The production manager may be site-based, but could also be responsible for operations at multiple locations, including overseas sites, meaning travel and time away from home may be required.
Responsibilities
- Supervise the production processes, planning and organizing the production schedule. Renegotiate and adjust deadlines as necessary.
- Ensure that production is profitable.
- Evaluate production requirements and resources.
- Estimate costs and establish quality standards.
- Develop the production budget and keep expenses within budget.
- Organize repairs and routine maintenance of production equipment.
- Check product standards and also implement quality assurance programs.
- Recommend cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality standards.
- Suggest improvements in the process in order to improve quality and production capacity.
- Act as a link between different departments: purchasing, marketing and sales, and other managements.
- Work with managers to implement company policies and objectives.
- Ensure that industrial hygiene and safety standards are met.
- Supervise the work and motivate the team of subordinate workers.
- Review and evaluate the performance of workers.
- Identify training needs and organize relevant training sessions.
Activities
Industrial production managers oversee the daily operations of manufacturing and related plants. Participate in the pre-production stage (planning), as well as in the production stage (control and supervision). A big part of the job is dealing with people management.
In small businesses, a considerable amount of time will be spent on the plant floor supervising staff, where the environment can be quiet and pleasant or noisy and dirty, depending on the nature of the organization.
Actions
- Supervise the production team to manage and execute the production projects.
- Work with the production team to plan, schedule and carry out production activities.
- Assign the daily workload to team members.
- Develop the production program and guidelines to support the objectives of the company.
- Schedule the maintenance and inspection of the equipment periodically.
- Organize job training for team members to achieve production objectives.
- Research production issues and develop resolutions.
- Determine the requirements of machines, materials and labor for the execution of the production program.
- Assist in the activities of recruitment, performance evaluation, promotion, retention and dismissal of employees.
- Supervise production activities and adjust schedules in order to deliver on time.
- Make sure that the final product meets quality standards and also meets customer specifications.
- Make sure the equipment complies with company policies and also with security standards.
References
- Prospects (2018). Production manager. Taken from: prospects.ac.uk.
- Target Jobs (2018). Production manager. Taken from: targetjobs.co.uk.
- Great Sample Resume (2018). Production Manager Responsibilities and Duties. Taken from: greatsampleresume.com.
- Workable (2018). Production Manager job description. Taken from: resources.workable.com.
- Truity (2018). Industrial Production Manager. Taken from: truity.com.