Industrial Production Managers
| Description |
OES Code: 15014 |
Plan, organize, direct, control, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$21.56 |
| 25th Percentile |
$25.32 |
| 50th Percentile |
$34.03 |
| 75th Percentile |
$44.28 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$21.75 |
| 25th Percentile |
$24.45 |
| 50th Percentile |
$30.71 |
| 75th Percentile |
$39.18 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
Most industrial production managers work more than 40 hours a week, especially when production deadlines must be met. In facilities that operate around the clock, managers often work late shifts and may be called at any hour to deal with emergencies. This could mean going to the plant to resolve the problem, regardless of the hour, and staying until the situation is under control. Dealing with production workers as well as superiors when working under the pressure of production deadlines or emergency situations can be stressful. Restructuring has eliminated levels of management and support staff, which shifts more responsibilities to production managers and compounds this stress.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
23,400 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
25,700 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
9.8% |
| Sepsrations 1998-2008 |
4,300 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
280 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
310 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
10.7% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
40 |
Employment Trends by California County
Although manufacturing output is projected to rise, growing productivity among production managers and organizational restructuring will limit the demand for these workers. Productivity gains will result from the increasing use of computers for scheduling, planning, and coordination. Scheduling or planning has become less important as manufacturers have become more responsive to changing demand. In addition, a growing emphasis on quality in the production process has redistributed some of the production manager's oversight responsibilities to supervisors and workers on the production line. Because production managers are so essential to the efficient operation of a plant, they have not been greatly affected by recent efforts to flatten management structures. Nevertheless, this trend has led production managers to assume more responsibilities and has discouraged the creation of more employment opportunities.
Advancement
Industrial production managers with a proven record of superior performance may advance to plant manager or vice president for manufacturing. Others transfer to jobs at larger firms with more responsibilities. Opportunities also exist as consultants.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Applicants with a college degree in industrial engineering, management, or business administration, and particularly those with an undergraduate engineering degree and a master's degree in business administration, enjoy the best job prospects. Some industrial production managers have worked their way up the ranks, perhaps after having worked as blue-collar worker supervisors.
For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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As production operations become more sophisticated, an increasing number of employers are looking for candidates with MBAs. Combined with an undergraduate degree in engineering, this is considered particularly good preparation. Companies also are placing greater importance on a candidate's personality. Because the job requires the ability to compromise, persuade, and negotiate, successful production managers must be well-rounded and have excellent communication skills.
Those who enter the field directly from college or graduate school often are unfamiliar with the firm's production process. As a result, they may spend their first few months on the job in the company's training program. These programs familiarize trainees with the production line, company policies, and the requirements of the job. In larger companies, they may also include assignments to other departments, such as purchasing and accounting. A number of companies hire college graduates as blue-collar worker supervisors and later promote them.
Skills & Other Requirements
Employers also are likely to seek candidates who have excellent communication skills, and who are personable, flexible, and eager to enhance their knowledge and skills through ongoing training. Among other skills that rank high for Industrial Production Managers are the ability to apply active listening techniques, budgeting principles, business management concepts, cost analysis theory, cultural knowledge in managing workers, foundry operation techniques, knowledge of mainframe computers, interpersonal communication techniques, manufacturing management theory, mathematics (to operations research theory), mechanical engineering principles, quality assurance techniques, research methodology, and time management theory. Also important is the ability to communicate verbally and in writing, conduct investigations/research and organizational development, develop maintenance schedules, wage systems for workers, evaluate tool designs, interview and hire workers, keep records / maintain files, manage industrial projects, manage inventories & supplies, meet deadlines, and negotiate labor agreements.
References
US Bureau Of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Related Occupations: Purchasing Managers, Industrial Engineers, Manufacturers' And Wholesale Sales Representatives
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP) |
