Production Superintendent vs. Production Manager: What Are the Differences?

A production superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a production facility, while a production manager oversees the production process and ensures that products are manufactured according to schedule and within budget. Both positions require strong leadership and communication skills, as well as a thorough knowledge of production methods. In this article, we compare and contrast the job duties, responsibilities, education requirements and salary expectations for production superintendents and production managers.

What is a Production Superintendent?

A Production Superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a manufacturing plant or production facility. They oversee the production process to ensure that products are being produced efficiently and effectively. They also develop and implement processes and procedures to improve production quality and output. In addition, they oversee the maintenance of production equipment and machinery, and they troubleshoot any issues that arise. Production Superintendents also train and manage production staff, and they may be involved in the hiring and firing of employees.

What is a Production Manager?

Production Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a production team or facility. They oversee the production process to ensure that products are being made efficiently and to the correct specifications. Production Managers develop schedules and budgets, and they track progress to ensure that deadlines are met. They also work with other departments, such as engineering and purchasing, to ensure that the production process runs smoothly. Production Managers typically have a background in engineering or management.

Production Superintendent vs. Production Manager

Here are the main differences between a production superintendent and a production manager.

Job Duties

Production superintendents and production managers perform many of the same tasks, but in different ways. Production superintendents oversee the entire production process for a company or organization. They make sure that each department completes their tasks on time and works together to create a quality product.

Production managers work within the production team to ensure that the production schedule is met and that the production crew has everything they need to complete their jobs successfully. They also help with hiring and firing decisions and communicate with other departments about production needs.

Job Requirements

Production managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering or another relevant 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 American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) or the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use production software and other tools they might need on the job.

Superintendents usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require an associate’s degree or higher. Many community colleges and technical schools offer programs in industrial technology or management that can help prepare students for a career as a production superintendent. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates who have experience working in a production environment.

Work Environment

Production superintendents typically work in the manufacturing facility where they oversee all aspects of production. They may travel to different areas of the plant, such as the assembly line or shipping department, to ensure that employees are completing their tasks correctly and efficiently. Production superintendents often work long hours, including weekends and holidays, to ensure that products meet deadlines.

Production managers usually work in an office setting, but they may visit the manufacturing facility occasionally to observe operations and provide feedback to employees. They also spend time reviewing reports from the superintendent and making decisions about how to improve efficiency.

Skills

There are several similarities in the skills used by production superintendents and production managers. Both roles require excellent communication skills, as they need to be able to coordinate with other departments within a company, give clear instructions to employees and solve problems that arise during production. They also both need to have strong organizational skills to keep track of deadlines, inventory levels and employee schedules.

However, there are some differences in the skills required for these two positions. Production superintendents typically need to have more technical knowledge than production managers, as they are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a production facility. This can include understanding how to operate machinery, troubleshooting issues and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Production managers may need to have more business-focused skills, such as budgeting and project management, as they are often responsible for developing long-term plans for a production department or facility.

Salary

Production managers earn an average salary of $73,786 per year, while production superintendents earn an average salary of $77,721 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has prior to taking the job.