What Does a Production Specialist Do?

Production specialists are responsible for ensuring that a company’s products or services are produced in a timely and efficient manner. They commonly work on the manufacturing floor, overseeing the activities of workers who produce raw materials into finished goods.

Production specialists may also be tasked with monitoring equipment performance and quality control. Their goal is to ensure that each product meets the highest standards of quality before it leaves the factory.

Production Specialist Job Duties

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

• Monitoring equipment operation to ensure that it is working properly
• Coordinating with engineers, scientists, and other specialists to help develop new products
• Working with production staff to ensure that they are completing tasks correctly, safely, and on schedule
• Communicating with customers and suppliers regarding order status
• Conducting research on new materials or processes that may be used in production of future products
• Ensuring that all safety procedures are followed throughout the manufacturing process
• Making sure that production lines are working efficiently and effectively by troubleshooting problems when they arise
• Recording production data, such as machine settings and work hours, to track production costs and labor efficiency
• Maintaining inventory of parts and materials needed for production

Production Specialist Salary & Outlook

Production specialists’ 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 overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $85,000 ($40.87/hour)

The employment of production specialists is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Demand for manufacturing products and services will continue to drive demand for production specialists. However, automation and other technological changes are expected to increase productivity in manufacturing plants, limiting the need for workers in some areas.

Related: 25 Production Specialist Interview Questions and Answers

Production Specialist Job Requirements

A production specialist typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Most employers require production specialists to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a two-year associate degree in a related field, such as business or agriculture.

Training & Experience: Production specialists typically receive on-the-job training when they start a new position. This training may last for a few weeks and will teach the production specialist the specific procedures and methods the company uses. Production specialists who work in the film or video industry may receive additional training in specialized software and equipment.

Certifications & Licenses: Production specialists do not earn certifications frequently, so this is not a typical expectation of a candidate seeking this position. However, some positions may require a certain certification, so a production specialist may seek one to increase their potential job opportunities.

Production Specialist Skills

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

Technical skills: Production specialists use technical skills to troubleshoot machinery, equipment and processes. They use technical skills to identify and solve production issues and challenges. Technical skills can also help you learn new processes and procedures.

Communication skills: Production specialists communicate with many people throughout their workday. They often communicate with their team, suppliers, customers and managers. Effective communication skills can help you be a better team member, supplier and employee. You can also use communication skills to help you learn new information and solve problems.

Problem-solving skills: Production specialists may encounter challenges during production processes, such as when a machine breaks down or when a supplier doesn’t deliver the right materials. Having strong problem-solving skills can help you identify the issue and find a solution. For example, if a machine breaks down, you may need to find a way to fix it or find a replacement machine.

Organizational skills: Production specialists often have to manage multiple tasks at once, so organizational skills can be very helpful. You may be responsible for keeping track of inventory, maintaining production schedules and keeping track of production records. Having strong organizational skills can help you manage all of these tasks effectively.

Attention to detail: Attention to detail is the ability to notice small changes in your work environment. This skill is important for production specialists because it ensures they meet the quality standards of the company. For example, if you’re working on a production line, you may notice that a small piece of the product is out of place. This can affect the quality of the product and the production line.

Production Specialist Work Environment

Production specialists work in a variety of settings, including factories, warehouses, and office buildings. They typically work full time and may be required to work overtime, weekends, and holidays. Some production specialists may be exposed to hazardous materials and noise levels that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as earplugs or safety glasses. Others may work in environments that are physically demanding, such as those that require standing for long periods of time or lifting heavy objects.

Production Specialist Trends

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

The Need for More Technical Skills

The need for more technical skills is a trend that is being driven by the increasing complexity of production processes. In order to be successful in this field, Production Specialists will need to be able to understand and utilize complex technology.

This trend is likely to continue as production becomes even more complex, which means that Production Specialists will need to be prepared to learn new technologies quickly in order to keep up with the latest trends.

More Automation

As automation becomes more common in manufacturing plants, Production Specialists will need to learn how to work with these systems.

Automated systems can help to streamline production processes and reduce errors, which can be very beneficial for businesses. As more and more factories adopt automation, Production Specialists will need to be familiar with these systems in order to be successful.

A Greater Focus on Quality Control

As businesses become more focused on quality control, they are increasingly turning to professionals with expertise in quality assurance and inspection. This is where Production Specialists come in, as they are responsible for ensuring that products meet the company’s standards before they are shipped out.

Production Specialists can capitalize on this trend by becoming certified in quality assurance methods and developing strong relationships with suppliers. This will allow them to ensure that the products that their company sells are of the highest quality.

How to Become a Production Specialist

A career as a production specialist can be rewarding in many ways. It offers the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, with different types of products and services. You’ll also have the chance to learn about new technologies and processes that are used in manufacturing.

As a production specialist, you’ll need to be able to think creatively and come up with solutions to problems. You’ll also need to be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Communication skills are important, too, because you’ll often need to explain your ideas and suggestions to others.

Advancement Prospects

Production specialists typically start out in entry-level positions and advance to higher-level positions as they gain experience. With experience, production specialists may move into supervisory or managerial positions. Some production specialists may become interested in product development and move into that area.

Those who are interested in management may advance to positions such as production manager, operations manager, or plant manager. Those who are interested in product development may become research and development engineers or marketing specialists. Some production specialists may start their own businesses.

Production Specialist Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we are passionate about bringing people together through the power of live entertainment. We are looking for a Production Specialist to join our team and help us create unforgettable experiences for our audiences. The Production Specialist will be responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of our events, including audio, lighting, and staging. He or she will work closely with our event coordinators and performers to ensure that all elements of the production are executed flawlessly. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background and a keen eye for detail. He or she must be able to think on their feet and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment. If you are passionate about live entertainment and have a desire to create unforgettable experiences for others, we want to hear from you!

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the production team in all aspects of pre-production, including but not limited to: research, scriptwriting, storyboarding, and budgeting
• Help develop and maintain positive relationships with vendors, clients, and other industry professionals
• Handle administrative tasks related to scheduling, equipment rentals, and travel logistics
• Serve as a liaison between the production team and other departments within the company
• Coordinate and oversee on-location shoots, ensuring that all necessary personnel and equipment are present
• Manage the post-production process, including but not limited to: editing, color correction, and sound mixing
• Ensure that all projects are completed on time and within budget
• Monitor trends in the industry and keep abreast of new technologies and production methods
• Train and supervise junior members of the production team
• Develop and implement quality control procedures
• Write reports and proposals related to potential new projects
• Present finished products to clients for approval

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in film, television, or related field
• 2-3 years experience working in video production
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop)
• Strong understanding of video compression formats and codecs
• Working knowledge of audio editing software
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience with color correction and color grading
• Experience with 3D animation and modeling software
• Experience with motion graphics
• Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript