Production manager (manufacturing)

You would organise the people and processes in a factory so the production lines run smoothly and efficiently.

You’d work closely with supervisors and maintenance staff to:

• plan the work

• set targets

• check the finished products meet quality standards

• ensure that processes are cost-effective

• deliver the goods on time

You could work in all types of manufacturing, for example:

• vehicle assembly

• brewing

• food products

• textiles

• pharmaceuticals

• building materials

You would need to do planning, prepare orders, set quality standards and estimate timescales and costs.

You’d control the production process, monitor production schedules and make adjustments if problems occur.

In addition, you would manage the production line supervisors, organise staff and make sure the targets are met.

Factory managers and clients would expect to get production reports from you. You would also work closely with company buyers, suppliers, quality control, training departments and health and safety managers.

Having a good knowledge of health and safety regulations would be very important. You’d also need to keep up to date with quality standards for manufacturing.

Green job       

In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You could:    

• encouraging energy saving practices like switching of machinery and lighting when they're not in use 

• making sure staff know and follow recycling procedures 

• sourcing more sustainable materials for the manufacturing process 

Find out more about green jobs. 

• The Chartered Quality Institute - Supports quality management professionals with training and professional recognition

• Chartered Management Institute - Chartered professional body for people working in management and leadership

• Institute of Leadership and Management - Learning and development

• Institute of Management Services - Focuses on developing practices to improve productivity and quality