A production manager is essential for helping to plan, organise, coordinate and control production within an organisation. The main responsibility is to ensure that goods and services are produced efficiently and are of correct quantity, quality and cost. The manager must also produce goods at the right price and on time to meet the customer’s demands
The duties and responsibilities may vary depending on the type of production system, such as process production, batch production, jobbing production, or mass production. Some of the duties include estimating production costs, monitoring the production practices and working out the human and material resources required
To be suitable to fill the position, an applicant must be able to behave decisively and easily grasp complex concepts. Excellent planning, organisation and negotiating skills are needed, as well as the ability to pay attention to detail. Self-confidence and patience are a benefit, as is the ability to motivate co-workers and colleagues. You must also be able to operate in a logical and systematic manner, and good judgment is crucial
A production manager should have a Bachelors degree in a related field. In the UK, the salary for the role is usually between £26,460 and £39,883, depending on experience and location.

• Multitasking
• Professionalism and punctuality
• People and time management
• Collaboration and adaptability
• Preparing reports
• Project management
• Information technology
• Being decisive and committed
• Managing budgets
• Stress management
• Communication and presentation
• Being positive and motivational

Studying courses such as Quality Management, Logistics, Materials Technology, Industrial Technology, Food Science or Mechanical Engineering can help you get into a job as a Production Manager. Having a Bachelors or Masters Degree in these areas, makes it easier for job applicants to access these opportunities and be accepted by employers. Due to the scale of their responsibilities these managers need to be able to handle their various responsibilities, which may include managing budgets, preparing reports, or accounting.

Some Production Managers begin their careers as apprentices. Entering the industry with certifications such as HND, HNC, BTEC, and NVQ; then working with experienced managers to develop their knowledge and skills. There are other accepted certifications that will give you the skills to work in Production Management. These include:

•    Institute of Operations Management (IOM)
•    Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
•    Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)
•    Chartered Quality Institute (CQI).