what is a production manager?
As a production manager, you coordinate and oversee the daily operation of a manufacturing or production plant. You direct activities related to producing various goods, from computer equipment to cars and other consumer goods. As the production department's decision-maker, you ensure that production stays on schedule and within budget. You also decide the best way to use the equipment and production employees in order to meet production goals.
The duties of a production manager include hiring, training and evaluating workers. You also analyze production data and check the daily and weekly production reports to ensure that the department meets all performance and safety requirements. You manage the budgets, schedule production and supervise the production team. Ensuring the production department functions as intended helps exceed quality expectations.
In television and film production, you are responsible for budgeting, negotiating contracts and scheduling the production plan. You meet producers and senior production staff to examine scripts or programme ideas. You also oversee location bookings and conduct the necessary permissions and risk assessments. During filming, you ensure the insurance, health and safety rules are followed.
Would working as a production manager suit your leadership or critical thinking skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a production manager role.
production manager jobsaverage production manager salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of a production manager is $99,935 per year. When you are in an entry-level or a junior production manager role, your starting salary is $71,173 annually. The most experienced workers make up to $150,387 yearly due to the complex duties and demanding responsibilities associated with the role.
how to increase your salary as a production manager?
The salary of a production manager varies depending on experience and qualifications. When you are new in the role, you have minimal experience. That means your salary is lower compared to production managers with extensive experience. Your earnings as a production manager also depend on your industry. When you work in industrial or manufacturing settings, your earnings differ from film or TV production managers. Depending on the project, working for a TV or film production may earn you more than a production manager in an industrial setting. Working on large film projects with huge budgets increases your salary potential.
types of production managers
Some of the types of production managers include:
- film production managers: as a film production manager, you assist with television and film production. Before production begins, you meet with producers, draw up shooting schedules and estimate the production cost. You hire and negotiate the costs of casting crews and contractors. You also ensure the locations for the shootings are booked. During filming, you manage the production schedule and budget to ensure filming remains on schedule.
- industrial production managers: as an industrial production manager, you work in a manufacturing plant. You oversee the entire plant and its equipment to ensure workers perform their duties as expected. You also conduct quality control programs and make sure that all finished products meet the required quality levels.
working as a production manager
Working as a production manager involves overseeing a team of workers to ensure the production process runs smoothly. Check out the duties, responsibilities and work schedules of production managers.
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what does a production manager do?
Some of the key responsibilities of production managers include:
- scheduling the production process: as a production manager, you schedule the production process from start to finish. You manage complex schedules, including the delivery of raw materials and manufacturing equipment. You coordinate the arrival and shipment of raw materials to production plants, ensuring goods are produced on time and that the team meets the manufacturing schedule. Maintaining a schedule ensures a steady flow of raw materials through every stage of the production process.
- budgeting for production: as a production manager, you manage the budget for the production process. You examine the budgetary information and identify opportunities to lower costs. Sometimes, you research new systems to improve production and save money in the long run. You also work with the finance team to compile expense reports and document production costs.
- supervising the production team: as a production manager, you supervise the production team and make staffing decisions. Your job includes hiring more personnel or partnering with vendors, storage experts and transportation companies. You provide direct supervision to production team members and evaluate their performance.
- assessing worker performance: as a production manager, you are responsible for the performance assessments of your team members. You identify processes that take longer to complete and find alternative production methods to implement and improve the production process.
- resolving problems in production: as a production manager, you coordinate responsibilities with various teams. If you encounter obstacles in the production process, you ensure the problems get resolved. You also communicate these challenges to the management team.
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work environment of a production manager
The work environment of a production manager depends on the industry. When working in industrial settings, your job involves working in office-based settings and on-site in manufacturing plants. Most manufacturing facilities are climate-controlled to make the indoor work environment comfortable. In film production, you work in multiple locations since you supervise shootings in different locations. The role involves a lot of travelling, depending on the shooting schedule.
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who are your colleagues?
As a production manager, you work with production supervisors, project managers and factory managers. You also liaise with warehouse associates, mechanical engineers and millwrights. Other professionals you work with include finance managers, line producers and film managers.
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production manager work schedule
As a production manager, you work on a full-time schedule. That means you are likely to work 40 hours a week, depending on the company's needs. You work outside typical business hours to complete the film or TV production. For instance, you guide shootings at night or during weekends to meet production schedules. Sometimes, you work evenings to attend events and conferences. While part-time opportunities are rare, you can find contract production manager job opportunities.
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career opportunities as a production manager
Production managers start in entry-level roles before moving to middle management and progressing to a more senior role. In the manufacturing industry, the production manager is the highest role in the production department, and you can progress to the position of an operations manager. In film production, you progress to a line producer role before becoming an executive producer.
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advantages of finding a job as a production manager through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
production manager skills and education
The requirements to become a production manager include the following:
- educational qualifications: to become a production manager, you require a college diploma and a university degree. While you can take a business administration or commerce course to become a production manager, it helps to be conversant with your industry. Some production managers have a degree in engineering or other manufacturing-related courses, such as food science.
- work experience: to become a production manager, you require several years of experience as a middle manager in the production unit. If you specialize in a particular functional area, you can gain experience through internship opportunities and entry-level jobs.
competencies and characteristics of production managers
Production managers need both technical and soft skills, such as:
- organization skills: as a production manager, you oversee the entire production process and manage diverse groups of people. Having strong organizational skills helps you fulfil your duties. You can manage your time effectively and handle administrative tasks with good organizational skills. These skills are important for maintaining files, budgeting and recruiting employees.
- communication skills: as a production manager, you work with various teams. That means you constantly communicate to relay instructions and provide feedback to employees. You attend meetings with senior managers to determine the company's production goals. Your written communication skills help you prepare reports that the executives can understand.
- leadership skills: as a production manager, you require leadership skills to guide your team to success. Your leadership skills help you build meaningful relationships with those you work with. The skills also help you in decision-making and ensuring the production schedule is adhered to.
- problem-solving skills: as a production manager, you require problem-solving skills to help you assess challenges at the workplace. You rely on your problem-solving skills to gather information, draw conclusions and find strategies to overcome obstacles. Critical thinking skills help you anticipate challenges and minimize or avoid these challenges to ensure a smooth production process.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a production manager.
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what is the main role of the production manager?
As a production manager, you ensure the production line operates as expected. You are responsible for producing quality products and delivering them to customers. You supervise the production team, manage the production schedule and control the budget.
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what are the responsibilities of a production manager?
Production managers handle many aspects of the business, from financing and budgeting to employment issues in manufacturing or television production. You are in charge of the production budget and work alongside cost controllers to maintain the production budget. You also deal with employment issues and ensure efficiency in production by having the right workers perform in their roles.
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what qualifications do production managers need?
Production managers require qualifications in business management. Pursue a degree related to the company's product. For instance, if you work in the production of technical equipment, get an engineering degree or college diploma to understand the production process. Several years of experience as a production supervisor are needed before you move up to the role of a production manager.
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is a production manager the same as a line producer?
In film production, a line producer performs various duties, such as negotiating key contracts, setting budgets and determining the best actions. As a production manager, you carry out the decisions the line producer makes to ensure that the production process goes as expected.
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what does a production manager do in the food industry?
Production managers supervise activities in the food manufacturing departments. You manage a team of production staff and schedule activities to ensure products are of good quality. You also ensure the production schedule is met at the correct time.
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how do I find a job as a production manager?
Finding a job near you as a production manager is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume, and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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