In the manufacturing or information technology industries, a process manager is common. He or she is in charge of a specific process’s design, review, administration, and execution. A process manager’s responsibilities are divided into three categories: documentation, measurement, and operational improvement. Re-engineering or redesigning a project is a common part of process management.
In most cases, the process manager is in charge of the entire production process or workflow. A process manager’s responsibilities often include employee supervision, equipment management, and human resource management. In some organizations, this manager also serves as a line manager.
Process documentation is a method of compiling a manual of the steps required to complete a task. Employees and managers use this manual as part of their daily work. When new equipment is used or the operation is changed, the documentation must be updated. Process documentation is similar to creating a recipe or cookbook in many ways. The documentation should be written in such a way that anyone can quickly and easily understand the basic process.
A large part of what this type of manager does is data collection. He or she is frequently in charge of keeping track of the time it takes to complete each step of a process. These metrics can be used to track efficiency as well as the impact of any process changes. Depending on the tools used to manage the process, there are a variety of ways to collect this information. A shipping company, for example, can use bar code scanners or other tools to collect data on the time it takes to move packages from the loading dock to individual trucks.
The process manager is in charge of going over the data and making any necessary changes. He or she uses the data to make changes to current procedures and predict the expected outcome. Following the implementation of the changes, the outcomes are evaluated and compared to the expected outcomes. Variances that are positive or negative are analyzed, and further adjustments are made. Because new technology and methods are constantly being developed, this type of work is ongoing.
A post-secondary education in business administration or information technology is required to work as a process manager. Additional statistics, management theory, and data management courses are frequently required. Because manufacturing processes are primarily mechanical in nature, engineering training or related experience can be extremely beneficial.