Industrial Production Manager

Your Fit

Income

$121K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

1.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Industrial Production Manager?

Industrial Production Managers oversee the daily operations of manufacturing plants and similar places of production. They are responsible for coordinating, planning, and directing the activities used to create a wide range of goods, such as cars, computer equipment, or paper products.

Sample job titles:

Assembly Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Plant Manager, Production Manager

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Industrial Production Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Industrial Production Manager earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$75K per year	$95K per year	$121K per year	$156K per year	$197K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $72K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Industrial Production Manager do?

Work environment

These managers typically work in manufacturing settings, which can include factories, plants, or production facilities. The environment is often fast-paced and may involve direct supervision of production activities. Managers might need to be on-call to address any production issues that arise outside of normal working hours.

Quick task list

Oversees production operations to meet quality and efficiency goals.
Coordinates with other departments to optimize production processes.
Implements quality control procedures.
Manages budgets and cost-control programs.
Ensures compliance with health and safety standards.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Quality Control Management: Focusing on maintaining the quality of the products manufactured.
Supply Chain and Logistics Management: Overseeing the supply chain process, from raw material procurement to product distribution.
Lean Manufacturing: Implementing lean manufacturing principles to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
Safety Management: Ensuring compliance with workplace safety laws and regulations.

Description

Industrial Production Managers are integral to the manufacturing process, ensuring that products are made efficiently and effectively. They need to have a strong understanding of the production process, including the machinery and techniques used. This involves coordinating various aspects of production, such as planning, quality control, and maintenance, to meet production targets and ensure efficient operation.

These managers require excellent leadership and communication skills, as they often lead a team of production staff. They must be able to motivate employees, manage personnel issues, and ensure a productive work environment. Strong problem-solving skills are essential to address production challenges and implement process improvements.

Stays up to date on the latest manufacturing technologies and production techniques is vital. Industrial Production Managers need to be able to adapt to new technologies and find ways to integrate them into existing processes. They also play a key role in strategic planning, including setting production goals and making decisions about the use of resources.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Directly influencing the efficiency and success of production operations.
The challenge of solving complex production problems.
Leading a team and contributing to the development of employees.

You might make a good Industrial Production Manager if you are...

Interested in manufacturing processes and technology.
Skilled in leadership and team management.
Able to make decisions quickly and solve problems effectively.
Detail-oriented with a focus on efficiency and quality.
Capable of handling a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

Pros:

Leadership Role: Opportunity to lead and manage teams, which can be fulfilling for those with leadership aspirations.
Variety of Industries: Industrial production managers are needed in various sectors, offering diverse career opportunities.
High Impact: Direct impact on the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing operations.
Competitive Compensation: Generally offers good salary packages due to the importance and responsibilities of the role.

Cons:

High-Stress Environment: Managing production demands and deadlines can be stressful.
Long Working Hours: May require extended hours, especially when production deadlines are tight or in case of operational issues.
Rapidly Changing Technology: Keeping up with the latest manufacturing technologies and processes can be challenging.
Physical Demands: The job might require spending a lot of time on the factory floor, which can be physically taxing.

How to become an Industrial Production Manager

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in business administration, industrial engineering, or a related field is commonly required. Some managers may also have a degree in a specific field related to the industry they work in, such as chemical or mechanical engineering.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics, especially Statistics and Calculus: Important for understanding production processes and efficiencies.
Physical Sciences (Physics, Chemistry): Provide a basic understanding of the materials and processes used in production.
Business Studies: To gain insights into business operations and management principles.
Technology or Engineering Courses: Useful for understanding the technical aspects of production.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in Robotics or Engineering Clubs: Can provide hands-on experience with manufacturing technologies.
Leadership Roles in School Organizations: Helps develop management and leadership skills.
Volunteering or Internships in Local Manufacturing Companies: Offers practical experience and insight into the industry.

Preparation after high school

Bachelor's Degree: In business administration, industrial engineering, or a related field.
Internships in Manufacturing or Production: Provides practical experience and industry knowledge.
Certifications: Such as Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Six Sigma certification, which are valued in the industry.
Technical Training: In specific manufacturing technologies or processes relevant to the chosen industry.

More resources

The Association for Operations Management (APICS) - Offers certifications and training in production and inventory management.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) - Provides industry news, research, and networking opportunities.
The Manufacturing Institute - Offers educational and training resources focused on the manufacturing industry.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) - Provides professional development and networking opportunities for manufacturing professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.