Videos | Production Manager

Production Manager

Regardless of the industry, the primary function of a production manager is to ensure the timely production and efficiency of products. They continuously look for ways to improve an organization’s output by assessing and evaluating manufacturing equipment, collaborating with team members to set and assess goals, reporting predictions and diagnostics to determine ways to improve efficiency, overseeing team members and maximizing performance.

A typical workday for production managers depends on the industry they work in. They can work in several different sectors, including the U.S. government, technology, industrial, automotive, and environmental, working with executive managers to interpret results and making recommendations. Production managers usually work in manufacturing warehouses but can also conduct organizational tasks in off-site locations.

About Project Management

Project Management includes planning and control of industrial processes to ensure that they move smoothly at the required level. Techniques of production management are employed in service as well as in manufacturing industries. It is a responsibility similar in level and scope to other specialties such as marketing or human resource and financial management. In manufacturing operations, production management includes responsibility for product and process design, planning and control issues involving capacity and quality, and organization and supervision of the workforce.

Key Tasks

  • Overseeing a large workforce of employees in the manufacturing field
  • Working to increase productivity for all product lines while decreasing expenses
  • Making sure employees are following industry health and safety guidelines
  • Providing guidance, motivation, and support to employees
  • Creating policies that increase efficiency without compromising product integrity or safety

Key Skills

  • Analysis skills
  • Bilingual
  • Budgeting
  • Communication skills
  • Computer literacy and skills
  • Customer service
  • ERP systems

Education & Certifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as business administration, management, industrial engineering, industrial technology, or supply chain management.
  • Manufacturing Management Certification (CTME)
  • Certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
  • Certified Product Marketing Manager (CPMM)
  • Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

Local College/University Programs

  • University of Scranton
  • Pennsylvania College of Technology

Industry Sector Employers

  • Olympia Chimney & Venting
  • Alleima
  • General Dynamics Land Systems
  • The AZEK Company
  • CANPACK
  • Noble Biomaterials
  • Gentex Corporation
  • Tobyhanna Army Depot
  • Kolmar USA
  • *List above shows a sampling of sector employers and is not limited to the list above.