What Is Production Management and Its Jobs

Production management oversees manufacturing and manages 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. It becomes increasingly essential as a company grows and managing desired outputs becomes more complex. 

The manufacturing industry continues to thrive in the United Kingdom. Statista estimates the market output will surpass 790.8 billion USD in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 2.31 percent from 2024 through 2024 [1].

Does this sound like an intriguing career? There are various paths to entering the field and possible positions to pursue. 

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, processes, and operations

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

• Manage safety and quality processes

• Manage a production team 

• Identify, evaluate, and resolve 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

• Highly organised

• 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

• Food

• Machinery

• Metal and fabricated products 

• Computers and technology

According to Make UK, the manufacturing sector accounts for £217 billion of output and 2.6 million jobs. Wages in the industry average 10 percent higher than the average for the total economy [2]. Some of the UK's largest manufacturing companies include metal production, food and personal care consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and food.

Common production management job titles and salaries 

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

Here are some product management jobs and average salaries: 

*All salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of December 2024

1. Production manager

Average salary in the UK: £41,538 [3]

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 the UK: £50,353 [4]

A manufacturing manager oversees the day-to-day operation. They organise schedules, manage staff, and set budgets. This role is very 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. Assistant production manager

Average salary in the UK: £28,834 [5]

An assistant production manager supports the production manager with their duties. Their tasks are similar but at a level below. 

4. Industrial production manager

Average salary in the UK: £41,573 [6] 

An industrial production manager oversees production and manufacturing in an industrial plant. Their role includes scheduling production and managing budgets, staff, and processes. 

5. Plant manager 

Average salary in the UK: £56,308 [7]

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

6. Operations manager

Average salary in the UK: £43,797 [8]

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 

Getting qualified in all areas, including skills, education, training, experience, and certifications, helps smooth the path to becoming a production manager. You can enter the field using several tracks, including attending university, completing an apprenticeship, and working your way up into the role. 

Education 

A bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum educational requirement to become a production manager. Some employers look for degrees relevant to the industry. For example, if you want to work in food production or chemical engineering, you'll need relevant coursework and industry experience.

However, qualifying for a position with a high school diploma and impressive experience is also possible. 

Useful bachelor’s degree subjects include business, engineering, industrial management, manufacturing, etc. Depending on the company and level of responsibilities, some positions may require an MBA. Some schools offer options to complete a production management degree.

Training 

On-the-job training is another option for entry and advancement. New employees often spend the first months in a position training to learn about the company and job responsibilities. If you can complete an apprenticeship in manufacturing or production, that’ll help you learn the processes and understand the industry. 

Experience 

Experience is often necessary to work in production management, in both production and leadership roles. Some work in entry-level positions to gain experience or move into or out of other leadership positions. 

Certifications

Given the competition for positions, having relevant certifications can boost your resume, and some employers will ask for specific credentials. A range of certifications is available, including:

• Certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

• Six Sigma Green Belt

• Master Project Manager (MPM)

Next steps 

If you want to pursue a career in production management, learning more about the manufacturing management process is a great place to start. Consider 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.