What Does a Production Control Specialist Do?

The role of a Production Control Specialist centers around the orchestration of manufacturing processes to ensure that the production schedule is met efficiently and effectively. This position involves a careful balance of planning, scheduling, and monitoring the flow of materials and production activities, ensuring that resources are allocated optimally and that output aligns with demand. By maintaining a clear line of communication between various departments, from procurement to the production floor, and by leveraging data to forecast needs and adjust plans accordingly, the Production Control Specialist plays an integral role in maintaining the smooth operation of manufacturing operations. Their efforts contribute to minimizing downtime, optimizing inventory levels, and ultimately supporting the organization’s ability to meet its production goals and customer commitments.

Production Control Specialist Job Duties

• Develop and implement production schedules to meet internal goals and customer delivery deadlines.
• Monitor production progress, adjusting schedules and resources as necessary to address bottlenecks or delays.
• Coordinate with procurement to ensure timely availability of materials required for production.
• Analyze production data, including volume, cost, and performance metrics, to identify areas for process improvement.
• Liaise with manufacturing, engineering, and quality assurance departments to resolve production issues and improve product quality.
• Oversee inventory levels, ensuring optimal stock is maintained to meet production needs without excessive overstock.
• Facilitate communication between different departments to ensure smooth operation and timely completion of projects.
• Prepare and present reports on production status and comprehensive forecasts to management and relevant stakeholders.

Production Control Specialist Salary & Outlook

Salary variations for a Production Control Specialist are influenced by industry demand, company size, individual experience, and the complexity of the production processes they oversee. Specialization in high-tech or rapidly evolving industries can command higher salaries due to the specialized knowledge and skills required to manage such production environments effectively.

• Median Annual Salary: $65,625 ($31.55/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $85,000 ($40.87/hour)

The employment of production control specialists 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 Specialists are essential for optimizing production processes, reducing costs, and ensuring timely product delivery, meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving manufacturing sector.

Production Control Specialist Job Requirements

Education: A Production Control Specialist typically requires a diverse educational background, with many holding high school diplomas, while others have advanced to bachelor’s degrees, post-secondary certificates, or associate’s degrees. Relevant fields of study include supply chain management, business administration, or industrial engineering. Coursework in project management, logistics, and operations management is beneficial. Some college courses in mathematics, statistics, and computer science can also provide a solid foundation for the analytical and technical aspects of the job.

Experience: Production Control Specialists typically come from backgrounds with hands-on experience in manufacturing or production environments. They often have progressed through roles that involve planning, scheduling, and overseeing production processes. On-the-job training is common, allowing individuals to gain practical knowledge in inventory management, workflow coordination, and quality control. Training programs focusing on lean manufacturing, supply chain management, and production optimization are also valuable. Experience with project management tools and software is frequently beneficial. Successful candidates usually have a blend of direct production oversight and strategic planning experience.

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

Production Control Specialist Skills

Inventory Management: A Production Control Specialist maintains optimal inventory levels to align with production schedules, avoiding both shortages and overstock. This role involves tracking stock movements, forecasting needs based on production plans, and coordinating with suppliers to adjust orders accordingly.

Supply Chain Coordination: Coordination between suppliers, internal teams, and logistics is crucial for ensuring materials and components arrive in time to meet manufacturing demands. A Production Control Specialist works to minimize costs and optimize inventory levels for a seamless flow from raw materials to finished products.

Quality Control Standards: Monitoring and adjusting production processes to ensure products meet predefined specifications and customer expectations is a key responsibility. Collaborating with manufacturing teams to implement rigorous testing protocols ensures the consistent quality and reliability of outputs.

Production Scheduling: Analyzing production specifications, capacity data, and inventory levels allows for the creation of detailed schedules that optimize machinery, labor, and material use. This ensures manufacturing processes flow smoothly and meet projected deadlines.

Workflow Optimization: Identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance productivity and reduce costs are critical for ensuring manufacturing operations run smoothly. This involves analyzing current workflows to minimize bottlenecks and meet deadlines without compromising quality.

Lean Manufacturing Principles: Implementing continuous improvement strategies based on lean manufacturing principles helps in minimizing waste and maximizing value to the customer. By analyzing production metrics, a Production Control Specialist enhances operational efficiency and product quality.

Production Control Specialist Work Environment

A Production Control Specialist typically operates in a dynamic environment where the blend of office settings and manufacturing floors is common. Their workspace is often equipped with computers and specialized software tools essential for planning, scheduling, and monitoring production processes. The nature of the job demands regular interaction with various departments, necessitating a high level of collaboration and communication.

Work hours might adhere to a standard schedule, though flexibility is required to address production emergencies or deadlines. The dress code usually balances between professional office attire and practical wear suitable for factory visits, emphasizing safety gear when on the production floor.

The pace can be fast, driven by production targets and project deadlines, yet it’s balanced by a culture that values precision and accountability. Health and safety protocols are rigorously followed, especially in direct manufacturing areas, to ensure a safe working environment. Technology plays a central role, with ongoing learning opportunities to stay abreast of the latest in production and inventory management systems.

Advancement Prospects

A Production Control Specialist can advance to roles such as Production Control Manager, Operations Manager, or Supply Chain Manager by demonstrating exceptional organizational, planning, and analytical skills. Mastery in coordinating production schedules, optimizing inventory levels, and improving process efficiencies is crucial.

Gaining experience in lean manufacturing and just-in-time production practices enhances prospects. Specialists should focus on developing strong leadership and decision-making capabilities to oversee larger teams and manage more complex production systems.

Understanding industry-specific software and technologies is essential for progression, as is the ability to implement innovative solutions to production challenges. Success in this role often leads to opportunities in higher management positions within manufacturing and production sectors.