Production manager (manufacturing)
Production managers make sure manufacturing processes run smoothly, are cost-effective and deliver products on time and of the right quality.
Typical Salary
£30,000 – £63,000
per year
Working Hours
40–45
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
As a production manager, you'll:
- draw up production plans and set quality standards
- monitor production runs and make adjustments if problems occur
- work with suppliers to get parts and raw materials
- make sure performance targets are met and waste is kept to a minimum
- work with sales teams, buyers and quality control departments
- oversee the training and development of staff
- write production reports for senior managers and customers
Skills needed
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- leadership skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to motivate and manage staff
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
Career progression
With experience, you could move into:
- planning and operations
- risk and safety management
- supply chain and procurement
- business development and general management
If you work in a large manufacturing company, there may be career development opportunities at regional, national or international level.