Production Manager
Production managers plan, direct, and coordinate manufacturing activities to meet production goals while maintaining quality, safety, and cost targets. They manage staffing, implement process improvements, and collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and quality departments. The BLS reports a median salary of $107,560 with 5% projected growth. Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma expertise are increasingly valued.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts with a 6 AM production meeting reviewing overnight output, downtime incidents, and the day's schedule. The manager walks the floor checking each line's status and speaking with supervisors about staffing needs. After lunch, they analyze yield data, approve a capital equipment request, and lead a Kaizen event focused on reducing changeover time. Late afternoon involves updating the weekly production forecast and meeting with HR about a new hire training plan.
Key Stats
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $68,000
Median: $107,560
Senior: $162,000
Job Growth