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Production manager (manufacturing)

Alternative titles for this job include Operations manager

Production managers make sure manufacturing processes run smoothly, are cost-effective and deliver products on time and of the right quality.

Average salary (a year)

£26,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Production manager (manufacturing)

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You could do a university qualification in manufacturing.

Some employers may look for a qualification subject related to their particular industry, for example:

  • automotive or aerospace engineering
  • food and drink production
  • pharmaceuticals
  • chemical engineering
  • materials engineering

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.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship to get into this career. Examples include:

  • Process Leader Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Project Controls Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Manufacturing Management Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These can take between 2 and 5 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

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.

Direct Application

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.

More Information

Career tips

A knowledge of production methods and international quality standards, like ISO9000, will be helpful.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • leadership skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to motivate and manage staff
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a production manager, you'll:

  • draw up production plans and set quality standards
  • monitor production runs and make adjustments if problems occur
  • work with suppliers to get parts and raw materials
  • make sure performance targets are met and waste is kept to a minimum
  • oversee the training and development of staff
  • write reports for senior managers and customers

Working environment

You could work in an office or in a factory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Higher Apprentice - Production Technician (Level 4)

  • Wage: £17,000 a year Annually
  • Location: 17 Langley Park Way, Chippenham, Wiltshire

Apprentice Project Controller

  • Wage: £12,480 to £22,308 a year Annually
  • Location: EC2R 7HJ

Courses In England

HNC Manufacturing Operations

  • Provider: YEOVIL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Yeovil

Manufacturing Engineering HNC Diploma

  • Provider: SOLIHULL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Smith's Wood

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