Product Manager vs. Production Manager: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
A product manager is responsible for the development and success of a product, while a production manager oversees the creation of the product. Both roles are important in ensuring the quality and timely delivery of a product. In this article, we compare and contrast the job duties, skills and education requirements of product and production managers. We also provide information on salary and job outlook for each profession.
What is a Product Manager?
Product Managers are responsible for the development and success of a company’s products. They work with cross-functional teams to ensure that products are designed, developed and launched according to market needs and company objectives. Product Managers conduct market research, develop product requirements and create product roadmaps. They also work with marketing, sales and engineering teams to ensure that products are positioned and priced correctly. Product Managers may also be responsible for product demos and presentations, as well as product training for sales and customer service teams.
What is a Production Manager?
Production Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a manufacturing plant or production facility. They oversee the production process from start to finish to ensure that products are made efficiently and meet quality standards. Production Managers develop production schedules and coordinate with other departments, such as purchasing and shipping, to ensure that raw materials and finished products are available when needed. They also troubleshoot production problems and develop solutions to improve efficiency. Production Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, and many have experience working in the production area of the manufacturing plant before being promoted to manager.
Product Manager vs. Production Manager
Here are the main differences between a product manager and a production manager.
Job Duties
Product managers and production managers share some of their job duties, but there are differences between the two roles. Product managers focus primarily on the conception, development and implementation of a product or service. They’re responsible for identifying customer needs and wants and using that information to guide the development process. Production managers oversee the daily operations of an organization, ensuring that employees follow proper procedures while working toward achieving set goals. While both types of managers work toward meeting organizational goals, product managers do so from a more strategic perspective while production managers ensure processes function smoothly.
Job Requirements
Product managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many product managers pursue certifications through the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the American Marketing Association (AMA). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use project management software and other tools they might need on the job.
Production managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many production managers pursue certifications through the Production and Inventory Control Society (PICS) or the American Society for Quality (ASQ). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use quality control software and other tools they might need on the job.
Work Environment
Production managers typically work in manufacturing facilities, where they oversee the entire production process. They may also travel to different locations to ensure that their employees are meeting productivity goals and maintaining a safe workplace.
Product managers usually work in offices or other business settings. They may spend time with customers to understand their needs and preferences. Product managers may also visit manufacturing facilities to observe product development and quality control.
Skills
There are several similarities between the skills needed for a product manager and production manager. Both roles require excellent communication skills, as they need to be able to interact with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, suppliers and team members. They also both need to have strong organizational skills to manage their time and resources effectively.
However, there are some key differences in the skills needed for these two jobs. A product manager needs to have strong marketing skills to be able to promote their products effectively. They also need to have good research skills to be able to understand customer needs and develop new product ideas. A production manager, on the other hand, needs to have strong project management skills to be able to plan and execute production schedules effectively. They also need to have a good understanding of manufacturing processes and quality control methods to ensure that products meet customer expectations.
Salary
The average salary for a product manager is $98,439 per year, while the average salary for a production manager is $73,786 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the industry, the size of the company and the location of the job.