What Does a Manufacturing Production Coordinator Do?

The Manufacturing Production Coordinator plays an essential role in streamlining operations within a manufacturing setting, ensuring that the production process flows smoothly and efficiently. This position involves overseeing the scheduling and planning of production activities, managing inventory levels to meet production demands, and coordinating with various departments to ensure that resources are allocated effectively. By maintaining a clear line of communication between production teams, suppliers, and management, the Manufacturing Production Coordinator helps to minimize downtime and maximize productivity, contributing to the overall success and efficiency of the manufacturing process. Their efforts support the timely delivery of products, maintaining quality standards, and optimizing production operations to meet business objectives.

Manufacturing Production Coordinator Job Duties

• Schedule and oversee the daily production activities to ensure manufacturing goals are met efficiently and on time.
• Coordinate with various departments, such as procurement and logistics, to ensure the timely availability of materials and resources.
• Implement and monitor quality control measures to maintain product standards and compliance with regulations.
• Analyze production data, including volume, cost, and waste reports, to identify areas for process improvement and efficiency gains.
• Facilitate communication between production teams and upper management, reporting on progress, challenges, and potential delays.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of manufacturing equipment to minimize downtime and ensure continuous production operations.
• Train production staff on new equipment, safety protocols, and compliance requirements to maintain a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
• Develop and manage the production budget, including forecasting production costs and monitoring expenses to ensure financial targets are met.

Manufacturing Production Coordinator Salary & Outlook

Salary variations for a Manufacturing Production Coordinator are influenced by factors such as industry experience, specific technical skills relevant to the manufacturing process, the complexity of the production line they manage, and the size of the team they oversee. Additionally, performance metrics and efficiency improvements they implement can also affect their compensation.

• Median Annual Salary: $55,125 ($26.5/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $89,500 ($43.03/hour)

The employment of manufacturing production coordinators is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

This growth is driven by increased manufacturing complexity and the need for efficient production schedules, inventory management, and quality control. As industries strive for leaner operations, coordinators play a crucial role in optimizing production processes and ensuring timely product delivery, fueling demand for their skills.

Manufacturing Production Coordinator Job Requirements

Education: A Manufacturing Production Coordinator typically requires a diverse educational background. High school graduates often enter this field, but a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or Industrial Engineering enhances job prospects. Post-secondary certificates in manufacturing or production management are valuable. Coursework in project management, logistics, and operations is beneficial. Some college courses in leadership, communication, and technical subjects related to manufacturing processes also support career development in this role.

Experience: Manufacturing Production Coordinators typically come from backgrounds rich in hands-on experience within the manufacturing sector. Ideal candidates have progressed through roles that offered deep insights into production processes, quality control, and workflow optimization. On-the-job training plays a crucial role, equipping them with practical skills in managing teams, scheduling, and inventory management. Exposure to formal training programs focused on lean manufacturing, project management, and leadership further enhances their capability to oversee complex production operations efficiently.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications and licenses are not typically required for the role of Manufacturing Production Coordinator.

Manufacturing Production Coordinator Skills

Supply Chain Management: Coordinating the flow of materials from suppliers to production lines is critical for ensuring manufacturing processes proceed without delays or shortages. Precise communication and negotiation with vendors, along with rigorous inventory level monitoring, are required to maintain a seamless production schedule.

Quality Control Standards: A Manufacturing Production Coordinator oversees product compliance with predefined specifications and customer expectations. Vigilant monitoring of regulatory and internal guidelines throughout the production process is necessary to identify and correct any deviations, maintaining the manufacturing output’s integrity and reputation.

Lean Manufacturing Principles: Streamlining production processes to reduce waste and increase value is a priority. By applying these principles, the coordinator optimizes workflows, enhances product quality, and improves production efficiency, contributing to the organization’s strategic objectives.

Production Scheduling: Allocating resources and setting realistic timelines for production phases ensures projects are completed on schedule and within budget. Analyzing work orders, understanding manufacturing processes, and adjusting schedules to accommodate changes in demand or unforeseen challenges are part of this task.

Inventory Management: Tracking and adjusting stock levels to align with production demands prevents workflow interruptions and reduces costly downtimes. A detailed approach to forecasting, ordering, and storing materials is essential for keeping inventory levels optimal and supporting continuous production.

Equipment Operation Oversight: Monitoring the performance metrics of manufacturing equipment and scheduling regular maintenance prevents operational downtime. Identifying potential issues before they escalate is crucial for meeting production targets efficiently and safely.

Manufacturing Production Coordinator Work Environment

A Manufacturing Production Coordinator operates within the dynamic ecosystem of a manufacturing floor, where the blend of machinery, technology, and human collaboration shapes the daily environment. The workspace is characterized by an array of equipment and tools essential for production management, from computers to specialized software, ensuring seamless operations and real-time monitoring.

Work hours are typically structured around shifts to maintain continuous production cycles, with some flexibility to accommodate personal needs and peak production periods. The dress code leans towards practicality, prioritizing safety gear and comfortable clothing suitable for a factory setting.

The role demands a high level of interaction, not just with team members but also with other departments, to coordinate production schedules and troubleshoot issues. This necessitates a culture of open communication and teamwork, underpinned by a shared commitment to health and safety standards, given the proximity to machinery and the physical nature of the work.

Professional development opportunities are woven into the fabric of the role, with technology playing a central role in evolving production practices and efficiency. This, coupled with the structured yet collaborative environment, offers a pathway for growth and skill enhancement within the manufacturing landscape.

Advancement Prospects

A Manufacturing Production Coordinator can advance to roles such as Production Manager or Operations Manager by demonstrating exceptional organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Gaining experience in optimizing production processes and reducing costs is crucial.

Understanding the latest manufacturing technologies and lean manufacturing principles can position a coordinator for higher responsibilities. Exposure to project management and the ability to oversee larger teams are valuable for progression.

Specializing in a specific manufacturing sector, such as automotive or pharmaceuticals, can open opportunities for niche managerial roles. Success in these advancements often hinges on a coordinator’s ability to significantly improve production efficiency and product quality within their current role.