What Does a Head Of Production Do?

The Head of Production oversees the entire production process, ensuring that manufacturing operations run smoothly and efficiently while meeting quality standards and production targets. This role involves strategic planning and coordination among various departments, from procurement and inventory management to quality control and distribution. By maintaining a clear line of communication with team leaders and upper management, the Head of Production ensures that the production department aligns with the broader organizational goals. Their expertise not only in production but also in people management and process optimization makes them an integral part of maintaining the balance between operational efficiency and workforce productivity, ultimately contributing to the company’s overall success.

Head Of Production Job Duties

• Oversee the entire production process, ensuring that manufacturing operations are carried out in a timely and cost-effective manner while maintaining quality standards.
• Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements and optimize production capacity.
• Coordinate with the procurement team to ensure timely availability of raw materials and other necessary inputs.
• Implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance production efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize production costs.
• Liaise with the sales, marketing, and product development teams to align production capabilities with market demands and new product launches.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in all production areas, promoting a culture of safety among employees.
• Manage and develop production team leaders and staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and career development.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of production equipment to minimize downtime and ensure the longevity of capital investments.

Head Of Production Salary & Outlook

A Head of Production’s salary is influenced by the industry sector, company size, and revenue. Experience level and a track record of successful project delivery significantly impact earnings. Specialization in high-demand areas, such as digital media or technology, can also elevate compensation. Negotiation skills play a crucial role in salary discussions.

• Median Annual Salary: $89,250 ($42.91/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $152,000 ($73.08/hour)

The employment of head of productions is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

This growth is driven by increasing demand for digital content, expansion of streaming services, and technological advancements in production methods, requiring skilled Heads of Production to oversee complex projects, manage budgets, and ensure the efficient creation and distribution of high-quality content across various platforms.

Head Of Production Job Requirements

Education: A Head of Production typically holds a diverse educational background, with many possessing a High School Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or Post-Secondary Certificate. Relevant fields of study include Business Management, Film Production, or Operations Management. Coursework in project management, leadership, and industry-specific skills is advantageous. While some have pursued only specific college courses, a comprehensive understanding of production processes, budgeting, and team leadership is essential, regardless of the degree level.

Experience: The ideal Head of Productions candidate typically possesses a blend of hands-on experience in production management, leadership skills, and a proven track record in overseeing successful projects. Experience in various production environments, from planning stages through to execution, is crucial. On-the-job training in advanced production techniques, team management, and strategic planning is highly valued. Exposure to industry-specific training programs that enhance production efficiency, quality control, and innovation is also essential. Leadership experience, including team motivation and conflict resolution, plays a significant role in the candidate’s suitability for the position.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications and licenses are not typically required for the position of Head of Production.

Head Of Production Skills

Supply Chain Management: Coordinating the flow of goods from suppliers to manufacturing and ultimately to the consumer is central to this skill. It ensures that production schedules are met without sacrificing quality or cost. The process involves strategic planning, procurement, logistics, and inventory management to reduce delays and optimize the use of resources, impacting the company’s ability to meet market demand and maintain a competitive edge.

Quality Control Standards: A Head of Production oversees the implementation and adherence to strict inspection and testing protocols, ensuring products meet or exceed predetermined specifications. With a focus on detail and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential quality issues, this role is critical in protecting the brand’s reputation and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Budget Forecasting: Projecting the financial resources needed for production schedules and resource allocation allows for the completion of projects within budget limits. By analyzing historical financial data, assessing current market trends, and collaborating with department heads, accurate forecasts of future production costs and potential financial risks are made.

Production Scheduling: Coordinating all stages of the production process, from planning to delivery, is essential for completing projects on time and within budget. A detailed approach to resource management, timeline oversight, and bottleneck anticipation is required to maintain workflow efficiency.

Lean Manufacturing Principles: Streamlining production processes to reduce waste and increase customer value is the goal here. By adopting strategies that improve product quality while lowering costs and production time, a culture of continuous improvement and employee empowerment is fostered, driving operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Risk Management: By identifying potential production issues and devising preemptive strategies, project execution remains smooth, minimizing delays and budget overruns. This skill is vital for maintaining project timelines and quality standards, thus protecting the company’s reputation and financial well-being.

Head Of Production Work Environment

A Head of Production typically operates within a dynamic environment where the blend of creativity meets operational efficiency. Their workspace is often a mix of office settings for planning and on-site locations for execution, equipped with the latest technology and tools essential for project management and communication. The nature of the job dictates irregular work hours, with a need for flexibility to accommodate production schedules that can extend into evenings or weekends.

Dress code varies, leaning towards business casual in the office and practical attire on production sites. The culture is collaborative, with a high level of interaction with team members, stakeholders, and external partners, necessitating strong interpersonal skills. Health and safety are paramount, especially on production sites, where adherence to protocols is non-negotiable.

Travel is frequently required, bridging the gap between production locations and corporate settings. Despite the demanding pace, companies often support professional development, recognizing the importance of evolving skills in a rapidly changing industry. Work-life balance is pursued, acknowledging the intense periods of production with more flexible downtime.

Advancement Prospects

A Head of Production can advance to higher executive roles such as Vice President of Production or Chief Operating Officer within larger organizations. This progression involves taking on broader responsibilities, overseeing multiple production departments, and contributing to strategic planning at the corporate level.

To achieve these advancements, a Head of Production should focus on delivering consistently successful projects, demonstrating strong leadership, and developing a deep understanding of the industry’s trends and challenges. Mastery in budget management, process optimization, and innovation in production techniques is crucial.

Engaging in high-profile projects and ensuring their success can also pave the way for advancement. This not only showcases the individual’s capability to handle larger responsibilities but also positions them as a key player in the organization’s growth. Building a track record of improving production efficiency and profitability is essential.

Collaboration with other departments, such as marketing and sales, to align production goals with broader company objectives can further highlight a Head of Production’s potential for higher executive roles. Demonstrating the ability to contribute to the company’s success on a strategic level is key.