What is a Production Manager?

In brief

Do you want to not just collaborate, but really set the course? Then the role of Production Leader is your next step. You are the link between management and shop floor, the leader who makes processes work and lifts teams to a higher level.

On this page you will read everything you need to know: what exactly a Production Manager does, what skills you need, what training is available, salary and advancement opportunities.

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What does a production manager do?

A Production Manager is responsible for managing a team of production workers as well as monitoring the production process. You are the bridge between management and the shop floor. Important tasks are:

  • Managing and motivating production workers
  • Planning, organizing and coordinating work
  • Perform inventory control and quality checks
  • Analyze and improve processes
  • Ensuring a safe and efficient workplace
  • Reporting to management and switching between departments

In short, you ensure that production runs on time, efficiently and according to quality standards.

What skills do you need as a Production Manager?

A good Production Manager combines leadership with organizational skills. These are the most important traits:

Enterprising and results-oriented
Analytically strong and solution-oriented
Communication skills: you interact easily with team and management
Stress resistant: you keep a cool head, even during peak workloads
Team player, but also able to make decisions independently
Good at planning, organizing and prioritizing

What does a workday look like?

No day as Production Manager is the same. Sometimes you start with a daily schedule and a short team meeting, other times you dive straight into solving a malfunction or adjusting production. You do a lot of walking around on the floor, checking that everyone can do their work properly and intervening when processes stall.

Because production often goes on 24/7, you sometimes work in shifts. That means switching between day, evening and sometimes night shifts. So flexibility is important, but there is often a nice shift bonus in return. One thing is certain: you are the linchpin that makes the team and production run smoothly every day.

How do you become a Production Manager?

There are several routes to this position. Often you start as a production worker or operator and grow into managerial positions. There are also training programs that prepare you for this role.

Possible courses:

  • Mbo: training toward Production Engineering, Logistics or Mechanical Engineering
  • Hbo: courses such as Technical Business Administration or Operations Management
  • Courses and trainings: Production Planning, Leadership, Inventory Management or Process Optimization

Many companies also offer in-house training and leadership programs so that you can develop further in the workplace.

Salary

A Production Manager's salary averages around €4,000 gross per month. With more experience or in larger organizations, this amount can increase. Working in shifts or under a collective bargaining agreement can also provide additional bonuses.

Diploma

Not always. Many Production Leaders advance from other positions, such as operator or team leader. However, an MBO or college education in engineering or business administration does help them make quicker strides.

Advancement opportunity

Sure. Many Production Leaders advance to positions such as Production Manager, Operations Manager or even Plant Manager.

Working Hours

In many manufacturing companies, you work shifts. This may mean that you also work evenings or nights. In smaller companies, you will more often work day shifts.

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Your next step?

Production Manager

Ready to take responsibility and lead a team to success? Check out our job openings and step into your new role as Production Manager.

Frequently asked questions for the Production Manager vacancy

Do you need experience to become a Production Manager?

Yes, they usually do. Companies often look for someone with experience in production or leadership. Haven't had a leadership role yet, but have a lot of experience on the shop floor? Then you can often advance internally.

A Production Manager primarily directs day-to-day operations and the team on the floor. A Production Manager focuses more on the strategic side: budget, policy and long term.

In addition to leadership and organizational skills, stress-resistance, decisiveness and good communication are indispensable. You must be able to change gear quickly and motivate people.

Yes, the demand is high. Especially in sectors such as engineering, food and logistics, companies are constantly looking for experienced executives to keep their production running smoothly.

You have to deal with tight deadlines, different personalities in your team and unexpected problems in the production process. It is precisely this variety that makes the work dynamic and challenging.