Production Manager Job Profile

Find out the typical duties requirements and opportunities of a production manager… 

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Job Description

A production manager also known as an operations manager makes sure production runs smoothly. The job involves planning, coordinating and controlling the manufacturing processes. As a production manager you need to make sure that the costs, quality and number of goods are correct. The job specifics depend on the nature of production this could be jobbing production, mass production, process production, or batch production. A large part of the job involves dealing with people and using management techniques in a team. Production managers are also involved with product design and purchasing. In a small firm you may have to make many of the decisions yourself, but in larger organisations planners, controllers, production engineers and production supervisors will assist you.

Typical Duties

The exact nature of the work will depend on the size of the employing organisation. However, tasks typically involve:

• Overseeing the production process
• Ensuring production is cost effective
• Drawing up a production schedule
• Making sure that products are produced on time and are of good quality
• Working out the human and material resources needed
• Drafting a timescale for the job
• Estimating costs and setting the quality standards
• Monitoring the production processes and adjusting schedules as needed
• Being responsible for the selection and maintenance of equipment
• Monitoring product standards and implementing quality-control programmes
• Liaising among different departments, e.g. suppliers, managers
• Working with managers to implement the company’s policies and goals
• Ensuring that health and safety guidelines are followed
• Supervising and motivating a team of workers
• Reviewing the performance of subordinates
• Identifying training needs

Skills and Interests

• Must be able to multitask
• Have
• a certain amount of professionalism
• Be able to manage time and people
• Be willing to adapt and collaborate
• Have project management experience
• Be able to prepare reports and plan
• Possess I.T skills
• Be decisive and committed
• Able to work under pressure
• Good at managing budgets
• Have good communicational and presentation skills
• Have a positive attituted to work and be able to motivate a team

 

Job Requirements

A bachelors or master’s degree in Quality Management, Logistics, Materials Technology, Industrial Technology, Food Science or Mechanical Engineering can help you get the role of Production Manager. By entering the industry with certifications such as HND, HNC, BTEC, and NVQ, you can take on an apprentice position and begin a career as a production manager. You will then have the relevant hands on knowledge and experience needed.

Opportunities

There are often opportunities to move into general management. Graduates usually start off by gaining experience within materials management, inventory control, configuration analysis, production control and purchasing management before moving on to become shift manager or supervisor. It really depends on your personal motivation and interest, in which career path you pursue after getting this position.