A production control manager is in charge of overseeing and streamlining the manufacturing processes that result in products that meet predetermined quality and cost targets. A person in this position may also be responsible for scheduling, material planning, and outsourcing. Pre-production planning, oversight of actual production, and quality control are some of the activities in which he or she may be involved. In order to perform the various duties and responsibilities involved in this job, he or she must have some basic skills and knowledge. Although each employer’s educational requirements vary, most prefer candidates with a college diploma and a variety of professional certifications.
A production control manager meets with technical or administrative personnel to develop a detailed manufacturing production schedule before any manufacturing begins. This position requires the coordination of procedures for equipment maintenance, repair, or replacement within specified time constraints. These managers also develop and implement quality control and tracking systems to ensure that proper production methods are used and that manufactured products meet specified standards. Because some companies are involved in a variety of manufacturing processes, the level of complexity for this position may vary by employer.
This position requires strong leadership skills, the ability to make quick decisions, and knowledge of various production processes. A production control manager usually leads and advises various personnel involved in the manufacturing or supply chain processes on schedules, production orders, inventory needs, specific manufacturing procedures, and staffing requirements. A key function of this position is to hire and train new personnel in the proper methods of a particular manufacturing process. The majority of people in this position have a working knowledge of the many, sometimes complex, mechanical operations involved in the manufacturing process, as well as the associated equipment and techniques used to repair them.
Employer-specific training for a production control manager may be required. Most people in this field have a high school diploma, but most employers require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain management, or business management, especially for managers who want to advance in their companies. Some employers may not require a college diploma for those with several years of experience in this field. Some production control managers may also hold certifications from the American Production Inventory Control Society (APCIS), such as Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). This is a professional organization dedicated to the ongoing education of production control managers and other professionals in the manufacturing, supply chain, and production industries.