Manufacturing supervisor managers, also called industrial production managers, ensure that companies’ products such as food, cars, televisions and computers are properly packed and ready to be sent to consumers. Although the need for manufacturing supervisor managers is expected to decline three to nine percent from 2008 to 2018, 54,700 jobs openings are expected during that period, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration’s O-net Center.
Manufacturing Supervisor Manager
Manufacturing supervisor managers oversee all aspects of production which includes the coordination, planning and implementation of manufactured goods. For instance, the managers decide what machines that are used to pack goods quickly. The managers coordinate the number of workers and how many shifts or overtime periods are needed to get the work done. They are responsible for the hiring, firing, training and evaluating of production workers and staff. Also, manufacturing supervisor managers create a budget for operational spending. They monitor the quality of distribution in the plant and meet with workers such as department supervisors about any problems. Managers also analyze data, prepare and review reports. They may oversee marketing activities such as creating brochures for their companies.
Required Education and Training
Although there is no specific industrial production manager major at universities or colleges, employers prefer hiring applicants with college degrees, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Typically, managers have degrees in industrial engineering, management, industrial technology or business administration. Also, graduate degrees in areas such as business administration or industrial management can boost people’s job opportunities because of technological advances. Besides education, employers prefer hiring managers with a production-related background, according to BLS. Thus, some managers may start out as production workers before advancing to management. Training for managers who enter the manufacturing supervisor management field directly out of college, may undergo training before assuming duties. The training last for a few months and the company teaches the managers about the company’s policies, production process and job requirements.
Working Conditions and Pay
Typically, managers work more than 50 hours per week to meet any production deadlines, resolve problems and supervising production activities, according to BLS. Manufacturing supervisor managers spend their work hours between on the production floor and in their office. Their offices are normally located next to or close to the production floor. In 2009, the median salary for manufacturing supervisor managers was $85,080 per year, according to the O-net Center.
