Manufacturing production managers ensure that goods are produced efficiently, at the right quality, quantity and cost and that they are produced on time. They may be working on anything from cars or aeroplane parts to medicines or food products. In some jobs, they are known as operations managers.
Depending on where they work, production managers may be involved in:
- monitoring the production process
- drawing up production schedules
- forward planning
- liaising between the departments involved
- estimating how long a job will take
- working out the resources required and how many people are needed to do a job
- setting standards for quality
- recommending any new training needs and resources
- supervising and motivating employees.
Before production starts (the pre-production stage), they may be involved with selecting and designing equipment, the layout of the factory or plant, forecasting demand and ordering materials.
Once production starts, they may then be responsible for the control of the production process (the order in which things are done), controlling stock or health and safety issues. The job also involves dealing with people, including training and disciplinary issues.
Hours and environment
Production managers usually work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. It is common to work shifts and unsocial hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly if there are tight deadlines to be met or new systems are introduced.
The work is mainly office based, but some of a production manager’s time is spent on the factory floor carrying out inspections and meeting supervisory staff and workers. Protective clothing may be worn in production areas. Production managers are normally based on one site, but some may be responsible for production at several locations, which may involve travel and time away from home.
Conditions in factories vary, but many are clean, light and airy.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- The starting salary is around €35,000 to €40,000.
- An experienced manager may earn around €50,000.
- Some managers earn more than €60,000 a year.
Skills and personal qualities
A manufacturing production manager should:
- be able to work to deadlines
- be good at problem solving
- think logically and systematically
- have IT training and experience
- communicate well with other people and motivate them
- be prepared and able to accept responsibility.
Interests
It is important to have an interest in:
- production processes
- technical and engineering activities
- problem solving
- organising and co-ordinating people and equipment.
Entry routes
Manufacturing production managers normally need considerable experience in the industry before taking up the full responsibilities that the job demands. Most people have worked in related roles, such as supervisor or trainee manager, before going on to manage the whole process.
Candidates would be expected to have a relevant degree qualification. There is a wide range of relevant degrees, including engineering, science, business and management. Some degrees include industrial placements. Postgraduate courses are also available in operations and production management.
Useful Links:
The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport Ireland
Institute of Supply Chain Management