Production Manager
Job Description:Production managers make sure manufacturing processes run smoothly and cost-effectively and deliver products on time.
Job Category:What you will do:
Day-to-day Tasks
As a production manager, you’ll:
- draw up production plans and set quality standards
- monitor production schedules and adjust them if problems occur
- manage the production team
- work with suppliers to get parts and raw materials
- make sure performance targets are met and waste is kept to a minimum
- oversee the training and development of staff
- write reports for senior managers and customers
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- leadership skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills (adaptability skills)
- sensitivity and understanding
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in manufacturing. Some employers may look for a degree of relevance to their particular industry, for example:
- automotive or aerospace engineering
- food production
- pharmaceuticals
- chemical engineering
- materials engineering
It’s important to gain relevant industry experience during your degree. This could be through:
- vacation placements
- internships
- year in industry schemes
With a degree you can apply to manufacturing or production graduate management schemes.
Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship route you take will depend on the sector you want to work in. The following higher and degree apprenticeships may help you to get into this role:
- process leader higher apprenticeship
- manufacturing management degree apprenticeship
- food and drink advanced production engineer apprenticeship
Work
You could start as an engineering technician or quality control officer in a manufacturing company. You could then become a team leader and shift supervisor before moving into production management through training and promotion.
Direct Application
You could apply for a place on a management training scheme with a manufacturing company. They usually ask for a degree but you may be able to start without university qualifications if you can show you’ve enough relevant industry experience.
Working Hours and Environment:
Typical hours are 38-40 hours a week.
You could work in the evenings and on the weekends.
You could work in an office or in a factory.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could move into overall factory management or strategic planning roles at a regional or national level in a larger company.
If you work for a national or international company, you may have the opportunity to work overseas.