Whether their product is a golf club,
a car, or a frozen dinner,
industrial production managers
ensure that production operations
meet quality and safety standards,
comply with regulations,
and stay on schedule.
Industrial production managers
also plan how to make
the best use of equipment and workers
to meet their goals,
all while keeping costs within budget.
They may oversee quality control programs
to find any defects in the product
and correct the problem causing it.
When issues are identified,
these managers need to communicate
with all of the affected departments,
vendors, and contractors.
Industrial production managers
work in all types of manufacturing plants
both in the office and in production areas
where they may wear protective gear.
Those who specialize in quality control systems
generally work in laboratories and factories,
but may also find roles in healthcare.
Most industrial production managers
work full time, and overtime is common.
Night or weekend shifts are not unusual,
and managers may sometimes
need to be on call to deal with emergencies.
Industrial production managers
typically need a bachelor’s degree
and several years of related work experience.
Many managers start as production workers,
and move up to this position
by gaining experience
and furthering their education.
At large plants,
employers may prefer candidates
with a graduate degree in business
or industrial management.