What Does a Production Manager Do?
A production manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a manufacturing facility or production department. They manage production schedules, allocate resources, and ensure that output meets quality, safety, and efficiency standards. Production managers monitor equipment, workflows, and inventory levels while resolving issues that may disrupt production timelines. Their role is central to keeping operations aligned with company goals and customer demands.
In addition to operational oversight, a production manager provides leadership to production teams, ensuring that staff are trained, motivated, and supported in their work. They collaborate with quality assurance, supply chain, and maintenance departments to streamline processes and reduce costs. By implementing continuous improvement strategies, production managers help organizations enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and maintain competitiveness in demanding markets.
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Production Manager Core Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, and oversee daily production operations
- Develop and manage production schedules to meet deadlines
- Monitor workflow, equipment, and staffing levels for efficiency
- Ensure compliance with quality standards, safety regulations, and company policies
- Manage budgets, costs, and resource allocations for production activities
- Supervise, train, and evaluate production staff
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address operational challenges
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement lean initiatives
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and production systems
- Proficiency in scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow management
- Familiarity with ERP systems and production tracking tools
- Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices
Soft skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Effective communication and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, operations management, business, or related field required
Certifications
- Lean Six Sigma certification recommended
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification recommended for large-scale operations
Preferred Qualifications
- 5–7 years of experience in manufacturing or production operations
- Prior leadership experience in a supervisory or managerial role
- Experience with cost reduction, workflow optimization, and process automation
National Average Salary
Production manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Position is:
$123,456
Sample Job Description Templates for Production Managers
Assistant Production Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking an assistant production manager to support daily manufacturing operations and provide leadership coverage when needed. This role is designed for professionals with production or supervisory experience who want to build management skills while helping coordinate schedules, teams, and quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Assist in planning and monitoring production schedules
- Supervise small teams or shifts under the guidance of the production manager
- Monitor workflow, equipment performance, and resource allocation
- Support quality checks and ensure compliance with safety protocols
- Train and mentor production workers on procedures and standards
- Prepare production reports and track key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Collaborate with maintenance and supply chain teams to resolve operational issues
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of manufacturing or assembly processes
- Familiarity with scheduling and production tracking systems
- Understanding of quality control and safety practices
Soft skills
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to supervise and motivate staff
- Clear communication and collaboration with teams and supervisors
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in operations management, business, industrial engineering, or related field recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in production or supervisory roles
- Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices
Production Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a production manager to oversee daily operations, coordinate teams, and ensure that production goals are met efficiently and safely. This role requires leadership skills and technical knowledge to balance schedules, budgets, and quality requirements.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage production schedules to meet deadlines
- Oversee staff assignments and ensure adequate resource coverage
- Monitor production lines, equipment, and workflow efficiency
- Enforce safety, quality, and compliance standards
- Manage departmental budgets and control operating costs
- Provide leadership, coaching, and performance feedback to staff
- Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and quality teams to resolve challenges
- Implement process improvements to enhance productivity
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of production systems and workflow management
- Proficiency with ERP systems and production software
- Ability to interpret and apply quality standards and compliance regulations
Soft skills
- Leadership and decision-making abilities
- Strong problem-solving and time management skills
- Effective communication across teams and management
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in operations management, engineering, or related field required
Preferred Qualifications
- 5–7 years of experience in production or manufacturing operations
- Prior leadership or supervisory experience
Senior Production Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior production manager to oversee complex production operations and provide leadership across multiple teams or production lines. This role requires extensive experience in managing people, processes, and budgets, along with strong strategic planning skills.
Responsibilities
- Lead production teams across multiple departments or shifts
- Oversee large-scale scheduling and resource allocation
- Manage budgets, monitor KPIs, and deliver regular performance reports
- Identify and implement continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives
- Develop and enforce production policies, procedures, and best practices
- Mentor assistant and mid-level managers, building leadership pipelines
- Collaborate with senior leadership on long-term operational planning
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of production management systems and methodologies
- Strong financial and operational analysis skills
- Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement frameworks
Soft skills
- Leadership and team development abilities
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Strong communication with executives and staff at all levels
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in operations, industrial engineering, or related field required; master’s degree recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 8–10 years of progressive production management experience
- Six Sigma Black Belt or PMP certification
Regional Production Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a regional production manager to oversee production operations across multiple facilities within a defined geographic area. This leadership role requires strong operational expertise, multi-site management experience, and the ability to align regional strategies with company objectives.
Responsibilities
- Manage production managers and supervisors across multiple facilities
- Oversee regional production planning, scheduling, and budgets
- Ensure consistency in quality, safety, and compliance standards
- Lead large-scale initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce costs
- Monitor KPIs across sites and report performance to senior leadership
- Collaborate with supply chain, HR, and engineering to support regional needs
- Drive adoption of best practices and process improvements across all facilities
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in multi-site production and operations management
- Strong knowledge of ERP systems, production planning, and cost analysis
- Ability to lead cross-functional and geographically distributed teams
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and executive communication skills
- Ability to manage complex projects and regional priorities
- Strategic problem-solving and organizational abilities
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, or engineering required; master’s degree preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in production management with multi-site oversight
- Professional certifications such as PMP, CPSM, or Six Sigma Black Belt
Director of Production
Position Overview
We are seeking a director of production to lead enterprise-wide production operations, establish strategic goals, and drive long-term operational excellence. This executive role is responsible for ensuring efficiency, quality, and profitability across the organization’s entire production function.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement company-wide production strategies
- Oversee all production managers and regional leaders
- Set organizational KPIs, budgets, and performance standards
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory, quality, and safety requirements
- Collaborate with executives on long-term planning and innovation initiatives
- Lead cost-reduction and efficiency programs at an organizational scale
- Build and mentor a strong leadership pipeline within production departments
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of production and operations management
- Expertise in financial planning, budget management, and strategic initiatives
- Advanced knowledge of lean manufacturing and process optimization frameworks
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and decision-making abilities
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to drive cultural change and inspire organizational improvement
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, or business required; MBA or master’s degree preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 12+ years of production management experience with 5+ years in senior leadership roles
- Proven record of managing large-scale, multi-site production operations