What Does a Production Control Manager Do?

The Production Control Manager plays an integral role in the manufacturing process, overseeing the planning, scheduling, and monitoring of workflow from the beginning to the end of the production cycle. This position ensures that the production department meets its output goals within the set timeframes and quality standards, coordinating closely with various departments to optimize efficiency and productivity. By managing inventory levels, analyzing production data, and implementing process improvements, the Production Control Manager supports the seamless execution of production plans, aligning them with the company’s overall operational objectives. This role requires a strategic approach to balance demand with capacity, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively to meet customer demands while minimizing costs and maximizing output.

Production Control Manager Job Duties

• Oversee the planning and scheduling of production operations to ensure optimal use of resources and meeting of production targets.
• Implement and manage inventory control systems to minimize excess stock and ensure the availability of materials for uninterrupted production.
• Coordinate with procurement to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and components required for production.
• Analyze production specifications and plant capacity data to determine manufacturing processes, tools, and human resource requirements.
• Develop and enforce quality control measures to maintain product standards and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate communication between production departments, sales, and distribution to align production plans with market demand and supply chain capabilities.
• Monitor and report on production progress, operational efficiency, and variances to the planned production schedule.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production processes, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.

Production Control Manager Salary & Outlook

A Production Control Manager’s salary is influenced by industry sector, company size, years of experience, and complexity of the production processes they oversee. Specialization in high-demand industries, such as technology or automotive, and expertise in managing intricate, large-scale production operations can significantly elevate compensation.

• Median Annual Salary: $89,250 ($42.91/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $125,000 ($60.1/hour)

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

This growth is driven by increasing manufacturing complexity and the need for efficient production schedules, inventory management, and supply chain coordination. Production Control Managers are essential in optimizing production processes and ensuring timely delivery of products, making them crucial as industries strive for greater efficiency and productivity.

Production Control Manager Job Requirements

Education: A Production Control Manager 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 a related field is highly beneficial. Post-secondary certificates in logistics or production control can enhance a candidate’s qualifications. Coursework in project management, operations management, and analytics is advantageous. Some college courses in leadership, communication, and technology also support the development of necessary skills for this role.

Experience: Production Control Managers typically come from backgrounds with hands-on experience in production environments, often progressing from roles that involve direct oversight of manufacturing processes. Their journey includes on-the-job training, where they gain insights into workflow optimization, inventory management, and quality control. Exposure to various training programs that focus on leadership, project management, and industry-specific software is common. Successful candidates usually have a blend of experience in supervising teams, coordinating production schedules, and implementing efficiency improvements, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of production dynamics and team management.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications such as APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) can be beneficial for a Production Control Manager. No specific licenses are typically required for this role.

Production Control Manager Skills

Supply Chain Management: Coordinating the flow of goods from suppliers to manufacturing floors and ultimately to the end customer is a critical responsibility of a Production Control Manager. Ensuring production schedules are met without delays or excess inventory requires a meticulous approach to forecasting demand, optimizing inventory levels, and negotiating with suppliers to secure materials at the best cost and lead time.

Lean Manufacturing: Streamlining production processes to minimize waste and maximize value to the customer enhances operational efficiency and productivity. By implementing continuous improvement strategies and fostering a culture of teamwork and problem-solving, Production Control Managers drive sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Quality Control Systems: Rigorous inspection and testing protocols are implemented and overseen to ensure manufacturing processes meet both internal standards and regulatory compliance. This focus on detail and the ability to adapt and refine processes in response to feedback and quality metrics ensures continuous improvement and operational efficiency, directly impacting product quality and customer satisfaction.

Inventory Forecasting: Predicting the quantity and timing of needed materials is essential for a seamless production flow, minimizing both overstock and shortages. Optimizing inventory levels, aligning procurement with production schedules, and market demand are key responsibilities.

Production Scheduling: Coordinating the sequence of operations and the allocation of resources ensures that manufacturing processes flow smoothly and cost-effectively. Planning and adjustment are required to meet production targets, optimize resource use, and minimize downtime in a dynamic environment.

Continuous Improvement Processes: Identifying and implementing strategies to streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance productivity is a core function. Analyzing current production workflows, soliciting feedback from team members, and leveraging data-driven insights for informed adjustments drive operational excellence and elevate product quality.

Production Control Manager Work Environment

A Production Control Manager typically operates within a manufacturing or production facility, where the environment is structured around the seamless coordination of production processes. Their workspace is often a blend of office settings and the production floor, equipped with computers, production management software, and communication devices to monitor schedules and workflows.

Work hours may extend beyond the typical 9-to-5, depending on production demands, with some flexibility in scheduling to accommodate shifts in production needs. The dress code leans towards practicality, incorporating safety gear when on the floor.

The role demands constant interaction with team members, from production staff to upper management, necessitating strong communication skills. The pace is dynamic, aligning with production schedules and deadlines, which can vary. Safety protocols are paramount, given the proximity to production operations.

Technology plays a significant role, with the manager often utilizing specialized software for scheduling and tracking. The position offers opportunities for professional growth, with the pace and variety of work providing a rich environment for developing management and operational skills.

Advancement Prospects

A Production Control Manager can ascend to higher managerial roles, such as Plant Manager or Director of Operations, by demonstrating exceptional leadership in optimizing production processes and supply chain efficiency. Mastery in reducing production costs while maintaining product quality is crucial.

To achieve these advancements, gaining experience in strategic planning and decision-making is essential. This involves leading cross-functional teams to innovate production methodologies and enhance workflow systems.

Specializing in industry-specific technologies and software can also pave the way for roles in operations technology development, where one can influence the future of production control systems.

Engaging in high-impact projects that showcase the ability to manage complex production challenges and deliver results will highlight a candidate’s potential for upper management positions.