Shift and 'on-call' work may be required, particularly where manufacturing/production equipment is in continual 24-hour operation. What does a production manager do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills
Responsibilities of the job include:
planning and organising production schedules
assessing project and resources requirements
estimating, negotiating and agreeing budgets
and timescales with clients and managers
determining quality control standards
overseeing production processes
re-negotiating timescales or schedules as necessary
selecting, ordering and purchasing materials
organising the repair and routine maintenance of production equipment
liaison with buyers, marketing and sales staff
supervising the work of junior staff. In larger companies there may be close links between production management and general or strategic management and marketing or finance roles. Typical employers of production managers
Food manufacturing and processing companies employ the majority of production managers. Most graduates begin their career as trainees or in junior posts such as production supervisor, material planner, inventory control etc. With appropriate experience, production managers may gain responsibility for several sites - possibly including production plants overseas. Vacancies are advertised via the internet, by careers services, in newspapers and specialist publications such as Production Engineering Solutions and Food Manufacture. Specialist recruitment agencies may also advertise vacancies. Qualifications and training required
To become a production manager a good degree in an appropriate subject is normally necessary. A small number of universities offer specialist undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in production management. Key skills for production managers
confidence
technical skills
organisation
interpersonal skills
problem solving skills
IT skills
communication skills
team working skills
Managers must also be able to handle responsibility and the pressure of meeting deadlines.
