Industrial Production Managers

At a Glance

Plan the production schedules at plants and factories
Monitor product quality
Work closely with workers, executives, and department heads
Usually work over 40 hours per week
Have a bachelor's degree plus work experience

Career summary

Industrial production managers oversee production in manufacturing plants.

Industrial production managers may also be called production managers or production supervisors.

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Industrial production managers may oversee all aspects of production. In large plants, one manager is in charge of each operation.

They work in companies that produce:

Cars
Computers
Paper products

Production managers figure out how best to use plant workers and equipment to meet production goals. They must keep production on schedule and within budget limits.

Managers negotiate prices for supplies and materials. They decide when to buy new equipment. They look for ways to make the production process efficient.

Production managers hire and train new employees. Sometimes they retrain current workers to use new equipment. They also decide when workers need to work overtime in order to meet production goals.

Using industry standards, managers monitor the quality of the manufactured products. They test random samples from the production line. If the problem is poor work, managers may try to improve training programs. If the problem is poor materials, managers work with the purchasing department to improve the quality of purchased parts.

Production managers work closely with managers of other departments. For example, production managers may work with the purchasing department to be sure that plant inventories are kept at their best level.

Production managers usually report to plant managers or vice presidents. They also act as a link between top managers and line supervisors.

Production managers must stay up to date on developments in their field, including quality control.

Related careers

This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to industrial production managers.

Plan production schedules, distribution, and marketing efforts within budget and time limits.
Analyze the plant's employee and financial resources. Develop budgets and approve any spending.
Select the best way to meet the production quota. Direct and coordinate production.
Monitor the production run to be sure it stays on schedule. Create quality control programs and correct problems.
Examine and test samples of products.
Set and monitor product standards. Determine how to improve the product when quality drops.
Work closely with heads of other departments to meet company goals.
Ensure that inventory is maintained at the proper level. Negotiate with vendors about prices.
Use computers to coordinate work between departments and to store production information.
Report to the plant manager or the vice president for manufacturing. May act as a link between executives and production supervisors.
May be responsible for all aspects of production. May be in charge of only one operation.
May hire and train employees.
Prepare production reports.
Stay up to date on new developments in the field.

Common work activities

Industrial production managers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Make decisions and solve problems
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Get information needed to do the job
Guide, direct, and motivate others
Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
Establish and maintain relationships
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Schedule work and activities
Identify objects, actions, and events
Coach others
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Develop and build teams
Monitor and control resources
Document and record information
Teach others
Update and use job-related knowledge
Use computers
Develop goals and strategies
Think creatively
Recruit, interview, or hire others
Analyze data or information
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Evaluate information against standards
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Process information
Communicate with people outside the organization
Explain the meaning of information to others
Provide advice and consultation to others
Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
Assist and care for others
Perform administrative tasks
Control machines and processes

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, industrial production managers:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a high level of social contact. They work closely with production crew, executives, and department heads.
Communicate with others by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They also use letters and memos, but less often.
Usually work with a group or as part of a team.
Are substantially responsible for the work done by production workers.
Are substantially responsible for the health and safety of production workers.
May sometimes be in conflict situations with company employees.
May on occasion deal with angry, unpleasant, or discourteous people.

Physical work conditions

Usually work indoors. Some work sites may not have heating or air conditioning. May occasionally work outdoors.
Often wear safety gear, such as goggles or hard hats.
Regularly are exposed to distracting or uncomfortable noises when on the factory floor.
Are sometimes exposed to contaminants.
Sometimes work near or with hazardous equipment that might produce minor cuts, stings, or burns.

Work performance

Must be very exact in performing their job. Errors could cost the company money or result in safety hazards.
Regularly make decisions that affect their employer's finances and reputation.
Make decisions that affect employees on a daily basis. It is unusual for them to consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
Set their daily tasks and priorities without talking to another first.
Work under moderate job pressures. They abide by strict daily deadlines.
Repeat the same tasks.
Sometimes must match their pace of work with the speed of equipment.

Hours/travel

Usually work more than 40 hours a week, especially when production deadlines must be met.
Generally work a set schedule. However, they may be called at any hour to deal with emergencies.
Often work late shifts in facilities that operate around the clock.

Physical demands

It is important for industrial production managers to be able to:

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand the speech of another person.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for industrial production managers to be able to:

Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Determine the distance between objects.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Move arms and legs quickly.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

Skills and abilities

Industrial production managers need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Understand written information.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
Think of new ideas about a topic.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
Use math skills to solve problems.
Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.
Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
Obtain needed equipment, facilities, and materials and oversee their use.
Decide how to spend money to get the work done and keep track of how the money was used.

Work with people

Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
Teach others how to do something.
Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
Persuade others to approach things differently.
Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Work with things

Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as an industrial production manager, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent;
have a bachelor's degree; and
have five years or more of related work experience.

Education after high school

Industrial production managers often have an associate or bachelor's degree and related work experience. Requirements vary widely because there is such a variety of manufacturing plants. For example, some managers may have a high school diploma or an associate degree and several years of work experience. The manufacturing processes depend on the product. For instance, a plant making patio furniture is quite different from one making microchips. In general, as products become more complex, managers need more training and experience.

A bachelor's degree in engineering and a master's degree in business administration (MBA) is good preparation for this occupation. However, a bachelor's in business plus work experience is sufficient for many management jobs.

Work experience

In general, employers prefer to hire people who have at least five years of experience in their industry. It helps if some of your time is spent as a supervisor.

On-the-job training

Some employers have management training programs for new college graduates. You receive training in the company's products and policies. You also learn about the manufacturing process and your job duties. Training may last several months up to a year; two to three months of training is the most common.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Computer Applications
Introduction to Business
Manufacturing Systems

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree in engineering and a master's degree in business administration (MBA). However, this combination is rarely required. Some companies hire well-rounded liberal arts graduates.

Employers also look for production managers with the ability to compromise, persuade, and negotiate. Excellent communication skills are very important.

Some production managers work their way up from the ranks. Production line supervisors who are promoted to production managers must have demonstrated leadership qualities. They usually also have taken company training in management and communication skills.

Tips

Some training in quality control techniques is helpful. Summer job experience in a manufacturing or service industry may be beneficial. Once in this field, a willingness to work extra hours and learn the technical aspects of areas such as maintenance and processing is also helpful.

Licensing/certification

Certification is optional for Industrial Production Managers.

The Association for Operations Management (APICS) (external link) offers a credential in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or as a Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

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Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Industrial Production Managers

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Industrial production managers (SOC 11-3051)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$34.79	$44.15	$57.59	$75.07	$93.81
	Monthly	$6,029	$7,651	$9,980	$13,010	$16,257
	Yearly	$72,360	$91,830	$119,780	$156,130	$195,130
Bellingham	Hourly	$35.78	$42.60	$56.62	$71.43	$87.22
	Monthly	$6,201	$7,383	$9,812	$12,379	$15,115
	Yearly	$74,419	$88,617	$117,767	$148,570	$181,416
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$37.14	$44.08	$51.92	$61.40	$72.63
	Monthly	$6,436	$7,639	$8,998	$10,641	$12,587
	Yearly	$77,236	$91,672	$107,986	$127,706	$151,069
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	$27.91	$41.75	$46.28	$50.83	$58.61
	Monthly	$4,837	$7,235	$8,020	$8,809	$10,157
	Yearly	$58,060	$86,849	$96,264	$105,723	$121,926
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	$33.98	$42.18	$47.60	$57.34	$79.66
	Monthly	$5,889	$7,310	$8,249	$9,937	$13,805
	Yearly	$70,667	$87,741	$99,016	$119,262	$165,693
Longview	Hourly	$33.45	$45.57	$57.68	$68.15	$80.03
	Monthly	$5,797	$7,897	$9,996	$11,810	$13,869
	Yearly	$69,572	$94,786	$119,960	$141,738	$166,457
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$35.43	$41.66	$51.95	$70.80	$92.80
	Monthly	$6,140	$7,220	$9,003	$12,270	$16,082
	Yearly	$73,702	$86,650	$108,043	$147,249	$193,040
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$31.73	$34.38	$38.90	$48.39	$72.67
	Monthly	$5,499	$5,958	$6,741	$8,386	$12,594
	Yearly	$66,011	$71,521	$80,906	$100,641	$151,161
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$38.45	$49.61	$62.75	$79.84	$99.61
	Monthly	$6,663	$8,597	$10,875	$13,836	$17,262
	Yearly	$79,981	$103,186	$130,520	$166,054	$207,194
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$32.58	$35.84	$44.05	$58.00	$72.56
	Monthly	$5,646	$6,211	$7,634	$10,051	$12,575
	Yearly	$67,766	$74,548	$91,614	$120,636	$150,914
Vancouver	Hourly	$30.14	$38.10	$47.59	$61.09	$78.43
	Monthly	$5,223	$6,603	$8,247	$10,587	$13,592
	Yearly	$62,704	$79,268	$99,003	$127,065	$163,128
Wenatchee	Hourly	$28.88	$34.98	$43.19	$50.34	$62.65
	Monthly	$5,005	$6,062	$7,485	$8,724	$10,857
	Yearly	$60,070	$72,767	$89,828	$104,700	$130,314
Yakima	Hourly	$36.60	$43.20	$50.63	$84.39	$97.56
	Monthly	$6,343	$7,487	$8,774	$14,625	$16,907
	Yearly	$76,120	$89,862	$105,307	$175,539	$202,934
United States	Hourly	$30.51	$38.72	$49.70	$64.45	$82.76
	Monthly	$5,287	$6,710	$8,613	$11,169	$14,342
	Yearly	$63,470	$80,530	$103,380	$134,060	$172,150

Salaries vary greatly by industry and plant size. For example, managers in motor vehicle manufacturing tend to earn the highest wages. In addition to salary, industrial production managers may receive bonuses for good job performance.

Industrial production managers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Industrial Production Managers (SOC 11-3051)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	2,858	5.1%	16.1%	232
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	104	6.7%	13.4%	9
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	70	7.1%	8.6%	6
Benton and Franklin Counties	45	6.7%	15.0%	3
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	54	3.7%	11.9%	4
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	189	6.3%	15.2%	16
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	108	2.8%	14.1%	8
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	214	4.2%	14.6%	17
King County	1,048	8.6%	19.6%	93
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	119	7.6%	13.8%	10
Pierce County	174	1.7%	15.2%	13
Snohomish County	539	0.2%	12.4%	37
Spokane County	145	6.9%	13.9%	12
United States	186,500	0.6%	5.2%	13,800

National employment

Industrial production managers work in many industries. Jobs are located wherever factories exist. However, jobs are concentrated in heavily industrialized areas.

Major employers:

Fabricated metal product manufacturers
Transportation equipment manufacturers
Chemical manufacturers
Computer and electronic product manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will show little to no change. This is partly due to the decline in the manufacturing industry. However, it is also because many companies have increased their productivity, requiring fewer workers. Outsourcing jobs out of the country has contributed to decreased demand for this occupation but there seems to be a trend in "reshoring" jobs back to the US. This will increase demand.

Job openings will occur as current workers leave this occupation. Opportunities should be best for those who have a college degree in industrial engineering or business administration.

Other resources

American Foundry Society
1695 North Penny Lane
Schaumburg, IL 60173
800.537.4237
847.824.0181

American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers
1800 M Street, NW Suite 900 North
Washington, DC 20036
202.457.0480

American Management Association

APA-The Engineered Wood Association
7011 South 19th Street
Tacoma, WA 98466
253.565.6600

Association for Manufacturing Technology
7901 Westpark Drive
McLean, VA 22102
800.524.0475
703.893.2900

International Council of Systems Engineers
7670 Opportunity Road, Suite 220
San Diego, CA 92111
858.541.1725

National Tooling & Machining Association
1357 Rockside Road
Cleveland, OH 44134
800.248.6862

Society of Women Engineers
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

Business Management and Administration

Career path

Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net occupation

Industrial Production Managers (11-3051.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.