15 Production Team Leader Skills for Your Career and Resume

A production team leader is responsible for the coordination and supervision of a team of workers in a manufacturing or production setting. The leader ensures that the team meets production goals and deadlines while adhering to safety standards. Production team leaders need a variety of skills to be successful in their role. If you are interested in becoming a production team leader, understanding what skills are necessary can help you determine if this is the right career path for you.

Communication

Communication is a necessary skill for production team leaders to have, as it allows them to relay information and instructions to their teams. It’s also important that they can communicate with other members of the company so they can understand what each department needs from one another. This ensures that everyone has the resources they need to complete their tasks and projects.

Equipment Operation

Equipment operation is a skill that production team leaders can use to ensure their teams are able to complete tasks. Production team leaders who have this skill may be able to operate machinery and equipment necessary for completing work orders, which allows them to provide guidance to other members of the team. This skill also ensures that production team leaders can identify when maintenance needs to be performed on machines or equipment so they can direct employees accordingly.

Safety Procedures

Safety procedures are a crucial part of any production team leader’s skill set. You should be able to instruct your team on how to safely perform their duties and identify potential hazards in the workplace. For example, if you notice that one of your employees is wearing loose clothing while operating machinery, you can remind them of the importance of safety precautions and suggest they change into more appropriate attire.

Scheduling

Scheduling is the ability to plan and track time for projects. Production team leaders use scheduling skills when planning production schedules, assigning tasks to employees and tracking project progress. A strong scheduler can ensure that all aspects of a project are completed on time and within budget. This ensures that production teams meet customer expectations and reduces the risk of costly delays or errors in product quality.

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Production team leaders need flexibility because their work environment can change quickly and often. For example, if a machine breaks down or an employee needs time off, production team leaders must be able to adjust their plans accordingly. Flexibility also allows production team leaders to respond effectively when challenges arise during projects.

Inventory Management

Inventory management is the ability to track and maintain supply levels for raw materials, finished products and other resources. Production team leaders use inventory management skills to ensure their teams have access to all the supplies they need to complete projects on time. For example, if a production team leader notices that one of their employees consistently runs out of certain types of supplies, they can adjust their inventory system to ensure those supplies are always available.

Performance Management

A production team leader can use performance management skills to evaluate their team members’ work and provide feedback. This can help the team leader develop their employees so they can improve their job performance, which can lead to a more productive workplace. For example, if an employee is struggling with meeting deadlines, the team leader can give them constructive feedback on how to overcome this challenge.

Quality Control

Quality control is the ability to ensure that a product meets certain standards. Production team leaders use quality control skills when they review products and check for defects or inconsistencies. For example, if a production team leader oversees a group of employees who make clothing, they might examine each piece to ensure it’s free from flaws and fits properly.

Product Knowledge

Production team leaders need to have a thorough understanding of the products they oversee. This includes knowing how each component works, what materials are used and any other details that may be important for employees to know. Having product knowledge can help you train your team effectively and ensure everyone understands their role in creating the final product. It also allows you to identify potential issues before they arise so you can take action quickly.

Shipping & Receiving

Shipping and receiving is a crucial part of production team leadership. You need to be able to track shipments, ensure that the right materials are delivered to the correct locations and keep an eye on inventory levels. This ensures that your company can continue to operate smoothly and efficiently. It also helps you make informed decisions about purchasing new materials or equipment.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and address issues that may arise in a work environment. Production team leaders often use problem solving skills when handling production delays, equipment failure or other unexpected challenges. When you can identify potential obstacles and develop solutions, you can help your team maintain productivity and reduce stress levels.

Decision Making

A production team leader needs to be able to make decisions quickly and confidently. You may need to decide which tasks are most important, how to handle unexpected challenges or when to change a plan if it isn’t working well. Strong decision-making skills can help you keep your team on track and ensure that everyone understands why certain choices were made.

Leadership

Leadership skills are necessary for a production team leader to have, as they help you direct your team and keep them focused on their tasks. You can use leadership skills when assigning duties, planning projects or addressing challenges that may arise during the workday. Examples of these skills include delegating responsibilities, motivating others, providing guidance and resolving conflicts.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. Production team leaders often have many duties, including managing production schedules, monitoring employee performance and ensuring that all necessary resources are available for projects. Strong organizational skills allow you to prioritize your work and ensure that everyone on your team has what they need to be successful.

Coaching & Development

Coaching and development are two skills that production team leaders need to have in order to be successful. As a leader, you may need to train new employees or help existing employees develop their skills so they can do their job more efficiently. You also need to provide feedback to your team members on how they can improve their performance.

How Can I Learn These Production Team Leader Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to be a production team leader. One way is to take on a leadership role in a project or organization that is related to production. This will give you the opportunity to practice and hone your skills. Another way is to take a course or class that covers topics such as communication, equipment operation, safety procedures, and scheduling. This will give you the chance to learn about these topics in a more formal setting. Finally, you can also read books or articles about production team leadership and how to develop these skills.