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Industrial Production Managers

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Also known as:
Industrial Production Manager, Manufacturing Director, Plant Chief, Plant Manager, Plant Superintendent, Production Control Manager

See all Manufacturing Careers.

ABOUT INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER CAREERS
Video transcript

Every factory depends on production managers for smooth operations. In a small plant, this is the plant manager; in larger facilities, a number of production managers may cover many different operations and report to an overall plant manager. Although duties vary, managers handle certain basic responsibilities such as quotas, schedules, staff, quality control, equipment and inventory. They constantly review and balance their resources.

They may also negotiate with both workers and management. There is no single way to become a production manager. Some work their way up from blue-collar ranks. However, applicants with college degrees in industrial engineering or business administration - particularly MBA's - have the best prospects.

Production managers divide their time between factory floor and office. They must handle a great deal of stress and strive on responsibility and daily pressure. The potential rewards in terms of money, advancement and job satisfaction are as large as their job's responsibility and authority.

SNAPSHOT
Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.
Leadership
HIGH
Critical decision making
HIGH
Level of responsibilities
HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict
LOW
Competition for this position
HIGH
Communication with others
HIGH
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
HIGH
Comfort of the work setting
HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
LOW
Exposure to job hazards
LOW
Physical demands
LOW
Daily tasks

Maintain current knowledge of the quality control field, relying on current literature pertaining to materials use, technological advances, or statistical studies.

Initiate or coordinate inventory or cost control programs.

Hire, train, evaluate, or discharge staff or resolve personnel grievances.

Review plans and confer with research or support staff to develop new products or processes.

Develop budgets or approve expenditures for supplies, materials, or human resources, ensuring that materials, labor, or equipment are used efficiently to meet production targets.

Set and monitor product standards, examining samples of raw products or directing testing during processing, to ensure finished products are of prescribed quality.

Develop or implement production tracking or quality control systems, analyzing production, quality control, maintenance, or other operational reports to detect production problems.

Coordinate or recommend procedures for facility or equipment maintenance or modification, including the replacement of machines.

Prepare and maintain production reports or personnel records.

Review operations and confer with technical or administrative staff to resolve production or processing problems.

Direct or coordinate production, processing, distribution, or marketing activities of industrial organizations.

MAIN ACTIVITIES
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE
Production and Processing Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administration and Management Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Personnel and Human Resources Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Engineering and Technology Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
TOP SKILLS
Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Time Management Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.