An industrial production manager oversees operations, solves problems, and keeps the production of goods on schedule and within given budgets. Efficient plants and production facilities are vital for a healthy bottom line – and overall success – of any manufacturing company. Maximizing space, productivity, processes and equipment means a firm can remain competitive in an increasingly complex global marketplace. That’s why every factory needs skilled, educated and capable industrial production managers.
Industrial Production Manager Job Outlook
According to national data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2017, employment for industrial production managers is projected to experience little to no change through 2026. However, prospective industrial production managers are encouraged to conduct independent research on actual job growth rates, which may vary depending on location, education, employer, experience and other factors.
Potential Salary
According to 2017 data by the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual salary for industrial production managers was $97,140. The lowest 10% earned less than $58,610, while those in the highest 10% bracket earned more than $165,450 per year. Job seekers are encouraged to conduct independent research to determine actual earning potential, as potential salaries for this occupation may vary widely depending on location, education, employer, experience and other factors.
Job Duties
Industrial production manager job duties vary in scope, according to the industry and size of the company. In larger facilities, these professionals may be responsible for a certain area of production, such as quality control, inventory, staffing, equipment or scheduling. In smaller companies, the industrial production manager may oversee the entire plant.
Daily tasks of industrial production managers include reviewing and balancing resources, such as workers, raw materials and equipment, to meet production needs. They also analyze data to ensure that production stays on schedule, as well as to create future production schedules.
Maximizing production efficiency through proper use of space, equipment and human capital is another important aspect of the industrial production manager’s job. Many successful industrial production managers utilize Six Sigma tools to create more efficient production processes, improve quality and reduce costs.
Professional industrial production managers often divide their time between the factory floor and an office. On the floor, they set standards for raw materials and finished products, and monitor activities to ensure standards are being met. Developing and implementing production tracking and quality control systems are additional factory floor job duties of the industrial production manager.
Typical office tasks include hiring and training workers, preparing detailed production reports, and developing production, processing and distribution budgets. Additional duties may include negotiating with workers and management on workplace issues, troubleshooting and solving production-related problems, and ensuring that the plant is meeting performance and worker safety goals.
Industrial production managers often work in firms manufacturing all types of goods, including automobiles, food, transportation equipment, chemicals, paper products, computers and electronics, and fabricated metals. They typically work full-time, and may be required to be on-call for emergencies.
Education and Training
Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree for industrial production manager positions. Preferred majors may include industrial engineering and business administration. In addition to a degree, related work experience is often a minimum requirement to obtain employment in this field.
Many employers show preference to candidates with the proven ability to develop, implement and manage programs that reduce both costs and waste. Therefore, knowledge of Six Sigma tools, techniques and methodologies could improve your industrial production manager career prospects. Advancing in this field may require extensive experience, an advanced degree, such as an MBA, or extended professional education.
Careers in Industrial Production Management
Industrial production managers are responsible for many aspects of the production process. To be successful in such a demanding role, they must be quick thinking problem solvers, who are also adept at analyzing production data, troubleshooting issues and ensuring worker safety. If the challenges of this occupation interest you, and you possess leadership ability, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as great time management skills, you might wish to consider pursuing a career as an industrial production manager.
