Production managers are in charge of planning and coordinating systems and procedures that ensure that products are shipped and handled correctly. By supervising and hiring employees, creating work schedules, meeting production quotas, and monitoring production equipment, these managers work to improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process. A bachelor’s degree in a management-related field or extensive, long-term on-the-job training are required for those seeking to become production managers.
Those who want to work as a production manager should have a bachelor’s degree in management, administration, or industrial technology. Future managers will benefit from supervisory tactics, business skills, and industrial training if they have a degree in one of these fields. After graduation, some students may find it beneficial to take a few industrial training courses at a vocational school to gain experience in production operations.
A bachelor’s degree may be beneficial, but it isn’t always required for candidates who want to work as a production manager. Some production managers start their careers on the assembly line or in shipping and work their way up to management. Many supervisors are eager to promote entry-level employees who show leadership potential and the ability to learn multiple aspects of production work.
Most companies prefer to hire production managers who have a lot of experience. Production managers typically require a broad range of experience as well as a thorough understanding of the various production jobs. In addition to supervising and coordinating production, a production manager should be able to perform a variety of other tasks.
Those who want to work as a production manager, whether they have an undergraduate degree or not, will need job-specific training. Although a general understanding of management and production operations is required, many companies also require managers to complete industry-specific training. Companies use various types of production equipment and reporting software, and new managers are frequently given on-the-job training that can last up to two or three months.
To stay current with technological advancements and industry trends, production managers can expect to be required to complete some type of continuing education or procedural training. The requirements for continuing education may differ by industry. Some successful production managers pursue graduate degrees in business administration or industrial management. A graduate degree can lead to a management or supervisory position at a higher level.