The production manager is the professional in charge of organizing and controlling the production process in a factory. You must also ensure that products are made to the correct specifications, are ready on time, and within budget..
As a production manager, you will participate in the planning, coordination and control of the 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.
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 experience in production management, 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.
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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 sufficient 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 in as 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.
- Planning and organizing skills to be able to execute and monitor the production process.
- Ability to act decisively and solve problems related to the work team.
- Ability to easily grasp concepts.
- Information technology knowledge, to deal with various technologies and programs.
- Attention to detail 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 logically and systematically.
- 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 budgeting.
- Reporting expertise on key production indicators.
- Exceptional communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
Production managers ensure that manufacturing processes are run reliably and efficiently. Coordinate, plan and direct the activities used to create a wide range of products, such as cars, 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 could be required..
- Supervise the production processes, planning and organizing the production schedule. Renegotiate and adjust deadlines as needed.
- Ensuring that production is profitable.
- Evaluate production requirements and resources.
- Estimate costs and establish quality standards.
- Develop 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 process improvements to improve quality and production capacity.
- Act as a link between different departments: purchasing, marketing and sales, and other management.
- Work with managers to implement company policies and objectives.
- Ensure compliance with industrial hygiene and safety standards.
- Supervise the work and motivate the team of subordinate workers.
- Review and evaluate worker performance.
- Identify training needs and organize relevant training sessions.
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..
- Supervise the production team to manage and execute production projects.
- Work with the production team to plan, schedule and carry out production activities.
- Assign daily workload to team members.
- Develop the production schedule and guidelines to support the objectives of the company.
- Schedule equipment maintenance and inspection periodically.
- Organize job trainings for team members to achieve production goals.
- Research production issues and develop resolutions.
- Determine the requirements of machines, materials and labor for the execution of the production program.
- Assist in employee recruitment, performance appraisal, promotion, retention and firing activities.
- Monitor production activities and adjust schedules so that we can deliver on time.
- Ensure that the final product meets quality standards and also meets customer specifications.
- Make sure the equipment complies with company policies and also with safety standards.
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