Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Manufacturing Production Manager- from: Youtube Search
- Applications Manager- from: icould [UK] Video
- Manufacturing and Production Manager- from: icould [UK] Video
- Production Manager- from: icould [UK] Video
- Production Team Leader- from: iCould [UK] Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Working Life
Production managers plan how to make the best use of employees time and skills, and material resources, to increase the efficiency of production. They make sure that every order is completed on time and meets customers' requirements. They are employed in manufacturing industries and the details of the work vary according to the particular industry. They are also responsible for implementing quality control. They work closely with heads of sales, procurement and logistics.
Most production managers have shopfloor responsibilities and office based duties. They often act as a link between shop floor managers and senior management. On a day-to-day basis, they ensure the smooth running of the production line, supervise staff and deal with any labour problems or machine failures.
They check that adequate raw materials are in stock and that sufficient storage space is available for finished goods. Responsibility for enforcing safety procedures may also fall to the production manager. They need to make sure that all products stay within a specified budget.
When planning future production, production managers think about the cost of raw materials, new product designs, anticipated staffing levels and technological developments. They use computers to aid the collection and analysis of data required for forward planning. Depending on the sise of the plant the product manager may oversee the entire plant or just specific areas.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Enforce safety and sanitation regulations.
- Keep records of employees' attendance and hours worked.
- Inspect materials, products, or equipment to detect defects or malfunctions.
- Read and analyse charts, work orders, production schedules, and other records and reports to determine production requirements and to evaluate current production estimates and outputs.
- Plan and establish work schedules, assignments, and production sequences to meet production goals.
- Confer with other supervisors to coordinate operations and activities within or between departments.
- Interpret specifications, blueprints, job orders, and company policies and procedures for workers.
- Observe work and monitor gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure that operators conform to production or processing standards.
- Direct and coordinate the activities of employees engaged in the production or processing of goods, such as inspectors, machine setters, or fabricators.
- Conduct employee training in equipment operations or work and safety procedures, or assign employee training to experienced workers.
Further Information
- Production Manager (Manufacturing)- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Production manager/planner- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Manufacturing Production Manager
You must have good communication skills, and it is essential that you can persuade and influence people. You need to have good motivational skills. You also need good customer service skills when dealing with clients.
You will also need to have initiative and the ability to prioritise, make decisions quickly and set targets. Good problem solving skills are essential. You need a good standard of numeracy and the ability to apply forward planning techniques.
There are often tight production deadlines, so it is important for you to work effectively under pressure. Understanding the techniques and processes of specific industries is important. Employers may prefer to recruit people with technical skills.
In some sectors, production managers need technical knowledge and qualifications, for example, in engineering. You must keep up to date with new technologies.
Interests - Manufacturing Production Manager
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Manufacturing Production Manager
Entry qualifications vary considerably depending on the particular industry, individual company policy, and the degree of responsibility given to the production manager. Most production management traineeships/junior posts are open only to graduates. Useful degree subjects include business studies, engineering, manufacturing or production management.
There are many pathways for you to develop the skills & qualifications to progress towards a career as a Manufacturing Production Manager.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: engineering operations, manufacturing, manufacturing technician, maintenance skills technology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, life sciences, manufacturing operations, quality management, quality assurance, cleanroom manufacturing, supervisory management leadership.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: engineering, manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, furniture design, manufacture, product design and manufacture, renewable, engineering technology, pre-university engineering, OEM, engineering.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Manufacturing Technician, Lean Sigma Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Data Integration Engineer, Precision Turned Parts Manufacturing, Wood Manufacturer, Finisher, Principal Engineer.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: general engineering, manufacturing engineering, manufacturing engineering design, engineering, furniture design, mechanical engineering, sustainable agriculture, agri-food production, biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: fundamentals of food production management, engineering management, engineering, automotive manufacturing, management.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Manufacturing Production Manager
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €88k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Sigmar /CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ Azon/ Excel Recruitment
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Manufacturing Production Manager
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Production managers and directors in manufacturing.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment numbers in this occupation have grown strongly since 2020, with an additional 8,300 persons employed. Employment permits were issued across a number of managerial roles in manufacturing.
Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data point to issues in sourcing production managers, often with mechanical engineering, GMP, health & safety, and project management (including Lean processes) skills. Issues in relation to sourcing candidates with specific skills sets and industry experience have been identified and may result in future shortages if employment continues to rise.
Useful Contacts - Manufacturing Production Manager
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Irish Manufacturing research
- Irish Manufacturing Research Unit A, Aerodrome Business Park Rathcoole, Co. Dublin D24 WCO4
- (0) 1 5675000
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Skillsnets manufacturing Sector
- 5th Floor, Q House, Furze Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland, D18 E268
- 01 2079630
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Irish Management Institute
