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Production managers make sure manufacturing processes run smoothly, are cost-effective and deliver products on time and of the right quality.
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; on shifts
There will be
4.3% more Production manager (manufacturing) jobs in 2029.
In your local area
As a production manager, you'll:
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work in an office or in a factory.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a university qualification in manufacturing.
Some employers may look for a qualification subject related to their particular industry, for example:
Getting relevant industry experience during your studies is important. A summer internship or year in industry placement can give you an advantage when looking for work after university.
If you compete a degree you may be able to join a manufacturing or production management graduate training scheme.
You'll usually need:
You could apply to do an apprenticeship to get into this career. Examples include:
These can take between 2 and 5 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.
You'll usually need:
You could start as an engineering technician or quality control officer in a manufacturing company. You could then move into production management through training and promotion.
You could apply directly to join a management training scheme with a manufacturing company.
Employers will set their own entry requirements, for example a university qualification, but you may be able to join if you can show you have substantial relevant industry experience.
A knowledge of production methods and international quality standards, like ISO9000, will be helpful.
With experience, you could move into:risk and safety management; planning and operations; overall general management
If you work in a large manufacturing company, there may be career development opportunities at regional, national or international level.