Production Manager: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does a Production Manager do?

A Production Manager oversees the production process in a manufacturing or production facility. They coordinate, plan, and control manufacturing processes so that products are delivered on time and within budget. Alongside managing the daily operations of the production floor, they ensure that goods are produced efficiently at the right cost and level of quality. Responsibilities also include supervising staff, organizing workflows, and adjusting schedules as needed to meet production targets. Production Managers play a key role in both the strategic and day-to-day management of manufacturing operations.

They must possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of production processes, and the ability to optimize team performance.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Production Managers in the Operations field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Oversee the production process, drawing up a production schedule.
• Ensure that the production is cost-effective and manage budgets.
• Decide on and order the resources that are required and ensure stock levels remain adequate.
• Select equipment and take responsibility for its maintenance.
• Set the quality standards and ensure that production is maintained at these standards.
• Monitor the production processes and adjust schedules as needed.
• Supervise and motivate a team of workers, review worker performance.
• Identify training needs and ensure all staff receive adequate training.
• Ensure that health, safety, and environmental regulations are met.

How to Become a Production Manager

Launching a career as a Production Manager requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Management, or Engineering.
• Proven experience in production management or a similar role.
• Knowledge of production machinery, processes, and quality control techniques.
• Familiarity with industry-standard equipment and technical expertise.
• Be knowledgeable about safety and health regulations.

Requirements & Skills

• Strong team-building, decision-making, and people management skills.
• Ability to create accountability and lead by example.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail to ensure high levels of quality.
• The ability to resolve issues swiftly and decisively.

Production Manager Salary Guide

Wondering what Production Managers earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a Production Manager in the U.S. is approximately $75,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Production Managers may receive a wide range of benefits.

Production Manager Salary Career Steps