What Does a Production Controller Do?

Production controllers are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet the highest standards of quality. They work with a variety of different departments to ensure that production runs smoothly, resolve any issues that may arise, and make sure that everything is ready to go before it reaches the end consumer.

Production controllers typically have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders—they’re often tasked with managing large teams of people and overseeing complex processes. This makes them an important part of the company’s leadership team, as they help ensure that all aspects of production run smoothly and efficiently.

Production Controller Job Duties

Production controllers typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Ensuring that all materials needed for the production process are available on time from suppliers
• Coordinating with other departments such as accounting to ensure that invoices have been paid and that bills have been settled
• Tracking production schedules and making sure that they are met by communicating changes to the production team
• Communicating with suppliers to place orders, review quality control procedures, and address any issues that may arise during production
• Coordinating work hours with management to ensure that production needs are met efficiently and effectively
• Preparing reports on the status of production, including any delays or problems that may occur
• Overseeing the financial aspects of a production, such as costs and revenues, to ensure that it is profitable
• Maintaining inventory of raw materials and finished products using computer programs such as Excel spreadsheets
• Reviewing production reports to identify any potential problems with the product

Production Controller Salary & Outlook

Production controllers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $64,500 ($31.01/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

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

Demand for manufacturing and product quality will continue to drive demand for production controllers. As companies seek to improve productivity and reduce costs, they will need to monitor their production processes more closely. Production controllers will be needed to ensure that these changes are implemented in a cost-effective manner.

Related: Production Controller Interview Questions and Answers

Production Controller Job Requirements

The following are some of the requirements that are typically needed in order to become a production controller:

Education: Most employers require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED for a production controller position. Some employers may prefer a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Relevant coursework includes accounting, economics, business law and finance.

Training & Experience: Production controllers typically receive on-the-job training in their role. This training may include learning the company’s specific software and computer systems, as well as the processes and procedures specific to the organization. Production controllers may also receive training in the use of specialized equipment, such as forklifts and cranes.

Certifications & Licenses: Production controllers don’t need a certification to get hired, but earning one can help them stand out during an employment search. Some companies may prefer candidates who have earned a certification.

Production Controller Skills

Production controllers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Data entry: Data entry is the ability to type quickly and accurately. Production controllers use data entry to enter production data into a computer system. This includes entering information about the product, the production time, the production date and any other information needed to track the production of a product.

Time management: Time management is another skill that production controllers use to ensure that they meet their production goals. They may use time management skills to plan their work schedule, organize their production schedule and monitor the production schedule to ensure that they meet deadlines.

Inventory control: Inventory control is the ability to track the amount of materials a company has in stock. Production controllers use this skill to ensure they have enough materials to meet production goals. They also use inventory control to track the amount of materials a company has used to ensure they don’t overproduce.

Problem-solving: Production controllers often have to solve problems and make decisions quickly. They may need to troubleshoot production issues, find solutions to supply shortages or find alternative methods to complete tasks when equipment or resources aren’t available. Being able to identify problems and develop solutions quickly can help you be more efficient and effective in your role.

Communication: Production controllers often communicate with other members of their team and other departments. They use verbal and written communication skills to convey messages, answer questions and provide feedback. Production controllers also use communication skills to collaborate with other team members to develop production schedules and solve production issues.

Production Controller Work Environment

Production controllers work in manufacturing plants where they oversee the production process and ensure that products are produced efficiently and meet quality standards. They typically work a regular eight-hour shift, but they may also work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed. The work can be physically demanding, and production controllers must be able to lift and move heavy objects. They also need to be able to stand for long periods of time and work in noisy and dusty environments.

Production Controller Trends

Here are three trends influencing how production controllers work. Production controllers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Use of Robotics in Manufacturing

As robotics becomes more popular in manufacturing, production controllers will need to learn how to work with these machines.

Production controllers will need to be able to program robots and understand how they work in order to ensure that they are operating efficiently. They will also need to be able to troubleshoot any problems that may occur with the robots.

The Importance of Supply Chain Management

As businesses become more globalized, the importance of supply chain management has become increasingly evident. This trend is likely to continue as companies look for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Production controllers can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in supply chain management. This includes understanding how to manage inventory, track shipments, and coordinate with suppliers. In addition, production controllers should be familiar with the latest technologies that can help them track and manage inventory more effectively.

More Collaboration Between Operations and Planning

In recent years, there has been a shift towards greater collaboration between operations and planning departments. This is due to the fact that both departments have a lot to offer each other in terms of expertise and resources.

Production controllers can take advantage of this trend by developing strong relationships with members of both departments. This will allow them to better collaborate on projects and come up with solutions that are best for the company as a whole.

How to Become a Production Controller

A career as a production controller can be rewarding in many ways. It offers the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, with different types of companies and in different locations. You’ll also have the chance to learn new skills and technologies that will help you stay current in your field.

To be successful in this role, it’s important to have strong organizational skills, be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and be able to work under pressure. You should also be comfortable working with numbers and have an understanding of basic accounting principles.

Advancement Prospects

There are many ways to advance in the field of production control. One of the best is to get further education, which can lead to positions that are not otherwise open to those without an advanced degree. For example, a production controller with a bachelor’s degree may wish to obtain a master’s degree in business administration, which would enable him or her to apply for management positions.

Another way to advance in this field is to specialize in a particular area of production control. For example, some production controllers become experts in quality control or in the use of specific software programs. This expertise can lead to positions with more responsibility or to consulting work.

Finally, production controllers can advance by taking on more responsibility within their current organization. For example, a production controller who is responsible for a small team of workers might be promoted to a position in which he or she is responsible for a larger team or for an entire department.

Production Controller Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we are looking for an experienced Production Controller to oversee and coordinate the daily operations of our production department. The Production Controller will be responsible for ensuring that all production activities are carried out in a timely and efficient manner, in accordance with company standards and procedures. He or she will also be responsible for supervising and managing the production team, as well as maintaining accurate records of production output and performance. The ideal candidate will have previous experience working in a production environment, and will be able to work independently with little supervision.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain an up-to-date production schedule, ensuring all products are delivered on time and to the correct specifications
• Work closely with the sales team to forecast future demand and ensure that adequate stock levels are maintained
• Monitor inventory levels and raise purchase orders when necessary to keep stock at an optimal level
• Liaise with suppliers to resolve any issues with deliveries or quality of goods
• Negotiate favorable payment terms with suppliers
• Manage a team of production staff, assigning tasks and monitoring output to ensure targets are met
• Train new members of staff in production processes and quality control procedures
• Implement improvements to production methods to increase efficiency and reduce waste
• Investigate and resolve any problems that arise during the production process
• Keep accurate records of production output and costs
• Prepare reports for senior management on the status of production
• Adhere to all health and safety regulations

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or related field
• 10+ years proven accounting experience
• Professional accounting certification, including CMA, CGA, or CA
• Working knowledge of finance law and regulatory standards (GAAP)
• Strong understanding of economic and banking processes

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• 5+ years experience as a senior-level accounting or finance manager
• Strong working knowledge of detailed financial data analysis
• Proven payroll experience, with a focus on streamlining accounting processes
• Exemplary history of financial project management
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local tax compliance regulations and reporting
• CPA highly preferred