What Is Production Management and Its Jobs?

Production management oversees manufacturing and managing inputs like raw materials, capital, and labour to produce expected outputs like products. Managing production within a manufacturing company is necessary, whether a large or small business. This becomes important as a company grows and managing desired output becomes more complex.

What's the purpose of production management?

Production management aims to monitor and improve the efficiency of activities, materials, staff resources, and budgets to produce goods. Production outcomes vary according to the industry. A production manager ensures that manufacturing stays on schedule, within budget, and achieves the desired output goals. 

Job description for production management roles

Production management job descriptions vary by each industry and level of the role, but in general, someone working in production management may have the following responsibilities:

• Managing manufacturing processes and looking at inputs to achieve outputs

• Creating and maintaining work schedules and budgets

• Monitoring production to find ways to improve efficiency and processes

• Communicating effectively with staff, stakeholders, suppliers, and customers

• Managing safety and quality processes

• Managing a production team 

• Identifying, evaluating, and resolving any problems with manufacturing or staffing 

Skills needed to work in production management 

Production management involves a specific skill set encompassing technical and workplace skills.

Technical skills

• Competency with technical equipment

• Six Sigma

• Business skills

• Equipment maintenance 

• Knowledge of industry regulations

Workplace skills

• Teamwork

• Problem-solving

• Leadership and management

• High organisational skills

• Ability to multitask

• Attention to detail

• Critical thinking

• Decision-making

• Strategic planning 

• Logical approach

Industries that rely on production management 

Industries that manufacture products rely on production management. Production management jobs can vary by industry, including: 

• Automotive 

• Chemical

• Textile

• Food

• Machinery

• Metal and fabricated products 

• Computers and technology

Common production management job titles and salaries 

Production management jobs, titles, and salaries vary and have different responsibilities. Rather than searching for production manager roles, you should consider expanding your search to incorporate similar jobs. 

Here are some product management jobs and  average salaries: 

*All salary data is sourced from Indeed as of March 2024

1. Production manager

Average salary (IN): ₹21,95,200 

A production manager manages the production process and ensures the company's manufacturing goals are met (outputs) by successfully overseeing inputs such as time, staffing, efficiency, materials, and costs. 

2. Manufacturing manager

Average salary (IN): ₹13,00,000 

A manufacturing manager looks after the day-to-day manufacturing operation. They organise schedules, manage staff, and set budgets. The role is similar to that of a production manager, except that the production manager is responsible for the entire production process. In contrast, a manufacturing manager looks after the equipment and those who use it. 

3. Production supervisor 

Average salary (IN): ₹6,14,952 

A production supervisor supports the production manager by implementing their decisions. 

4. Plant manager 

Average salary (IN): ₹21,51,440 

A plant manager supervises operations and manufacturing, makes strategic decisions, manages staff, ensures safety, and works to achieve production goals.

5. Operations manager

Average salary (IN): ₹33,80,000 

An operations manager is responsible for the production and daily operations, making business decisions, and working as a senior management team member. They look to improve production processes and may recruit and train staff. 

How to become a production manager 

To become a production manager, it's a good idea to be prepared in many areas, including education, experience, and certifications. 

Education 

To get a job as a production manager in India, a bachelor's degree is usually required in business management, industrial engineering, or something similar. Depending on the company and level of responsibilities, some positions may also need a postgraduate degree. To increase your marketability for this job, it might be beneficial to pursue an MBA (master's in business administration) or a master's in business management.

Experience 

When looking for work in production management, it helps to have experience. You can get an internship or work in an entry-level position to gain valuable production management job skills. 

Certifications

Given the competition for production management positions, having relevant certifications can boost your CV by providing validation of your expertise. A range of certifications is available, including:

• Certified Production Manager

• Certified Production Planning and Control

• Manufacturing Production and Operations

• Production and Operation Management

• Production for Management Consultants and Business Analysts

Next steps 

Suppose you want to pursue a career in production management. In that case, a great place to start is learning more about the manufacturing management process by taking the Advanced Manufacturing Enterprise course offered by The State University of New York on Coursera. You can also improve your leadership skills with the Leading People and Teams Specialisation from the University of Michigan.