Guide To A Production Manager Career Path
There is always a need for someone to take charge in a manufacturing plant or factory. That is what production managers are for. Even though there is currently a shortage of various parts and supplies in the global supply chain, the manufacturing industry is still in demand. To keep up with this upward trend, someone needs to lead the teams in plants and factories. And, this is where the production manager comes in. Here is an idea of what the career path of a production manager looks like.
What does a production manager do?
A production manager is in charge of overseeing the production process in a plant or factory. As it is a supervisory position, the role plays a huge part in making sure that the organisation is efficient through overseeing the staff. Production operators who pursue further studies can move up to this position after some years of experience and further education.
It is worth noting that a production manager is different from a manufacturing manager. Whereas a manufacturing manager focuses on managing the operation of machineries and tools, a production manager has a broader scope of control. On top of overseeing processes, a production manager also leads people.
Responsibilities of a production manager
The tasks of a production manager include:
- Managing employees and helping them in areas of improvement
- Managing the employees’ shifts and schedules
- Monitoring processes and improving them for efficiency
- Maintaining standards of quality and safety as set by management and global organisations
- Preparing the organisation’s budget and making sure that they do not overspend
- Scheduling maintenance for equipment
- Analysing production data and preparing reports
- Troubleshooting problems in the production line
- Studying and recommending new machinery or equipment
Salary Range
The average salary of a production manager in Malaysia is RM 84,618 per year. According to Payscale, an entry-level production manager earns an average compensation of RM 49,404 per year. This includes overtime pay, and bonuses. On the other hand, a senior level position earns an average of RM 96,000 annually.
Payscale indicates that salary growth is visible in a senior-level position. Factors that can affect salary growth are knowledge in process improvement, operations management, lean manufacturing, and quality control.
What is the career path of a production manager?
If you opt to build a career path as a production manager, there are different positions you can pursue in the manufacturing or operations industry. Here are some of the options that you can consider:
Junior Level (1-3 years experience)
Mid Level (4-8 years experience)
- Factory manager
- Operations manager
Senior level (8 years or more)
- Plant manager
- General manager
What requirements do you need to become a production manager?
Required skills
Production management
To be a production manager, you must have managerial experience in a plant or factory. This experience can be gained while working in a lower position in the industry. It is also a plus to have experience in operations or supply chain management.
While working in a plant or factory, you gain some background and knowledge in typical production processes. In your early years, your experience in taking the lead — even in smaller groups or for specific tasks — will add up to your knowledge as a production manager.
Knowledge in quality and safety management rules and regulations
As a production manager, it is important to know the industry’s rules and regulations when it comes to quality and safety. Aside from training programs, there are also certifications that can help you gain this knowledge.
Soft skills
People management
Since this is a managerial role, you must know how to manage people. The production manager career path also involves knowing how to talk to employees during evaluations and discussing sensitive matters.
Leadership
This position is a stepping stone to a higher managerial position. Leadership skills and taking charge is an important skill to have as a manager.
Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Problems are inevitable in any job. As a production manager, you might encounter a problem in the assembly line or a potential safety hazard that could risk employees. Thus, you need to have problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Having these skills ensure that you can help your team and the organisation find the best solutions to problems. Your critical thinking skills will also help you identify how to adjust systems and processes for maximum efficiency.
Educational background
Production managers are usually expected to have degrees in industrial engineering, or manufacturing. Depending on the industry of the organisation, the employer may require a more specific degree, such as chemistry, civil engineering, or electrical engineering.
If you have an engineering degree, you must register as a Graduate Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) to work professionally. And if you want to pursue a career path as a production manager, being recognised as a Professional Engineer will be beneficial as you seek #JobsThatMatter. To do this, you will have to register as a Graduate Engineer and pass the assessment examination. Then, you must obtain three years of work experience before you finally qualify as a Professional Engineer.
Opportunities for Continuous Education
It is helpful for production managers to frequently join seminars relevant to the industry they are working in. These will help you stay updated on the latest industry standards, such as safety and quality protocols.
Aside from this, it is a good idea to invest in a postgraduate course on management. You can even consider applying to an MBA program.
It is also good to learn the concepts of project management. FutureLearn has numerous short courses on this that you can learn in your spare time. While you are learning more about project management, you can also read more about the best project management software tools in Malaysia.
How to write a production manager resume?
FULL NAME Home Address | Mobile Number | Email Address Career SummaryGraduate engineer with a degree in industrial engineering. One year of experience working in an engineering firm. Three years of experience working in operations and supply chain management in a plant that produces healthy beverages. Currently undergoing further training in ISO safety standards. Work ExperienceOperations AssociateXYZ Company, location (July 2017 – present)
Key Skills
EducationBachelor of Science in Industrial EngineeringABC School, Malaysia (YEARS) |
Download the Production Manager resume template here
Related Careers
There are other similar careers that you can explore that are similar to the production manager career path.
All set to jumpstart your career as a production manager? Then get started by searching for the #JobsThatMatter. Update your profile at JobStreet and find work that will bring you passion and purpose.
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