Industrial production managers oversee the day-to-day functions of manufacturing and similar plants. Depending on the plant’s size, managers may be responsible for the entire plant or a certain section of it. The top three industries for employment of industrial production managers are currently machinery manufacturing, plastics product manufacturing and chemical manufacturing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Enrolling in the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program from Florida Institute of Technology can be an excellent first step for professionals interested in an industrial production manager career. Below we’ll discuss some of the main job duties of industrial production managers as well as their potential salary, job growth data and required education and training.
Industrial Production Manager Job Outlook
BLS reports that employment of industrial production managers will increase by a projected 3% between 2023 and 2033. The need to fill positions will mainly result from workers retiring or leaving the occupation.
BLS projects declining employment in certain manufacturing industries, lessening demand for managers in some cases. However, overall job growth for this occupation will still lead to roughly 17,100 job openings per year for qualified professionals.
Industrial Production Manager Job Description
According to BLS, industrial production managers coordinate, plan and direct the creation of various goods such as cars, paper products or computer equipment. Managers determine how best to use workers and equipment to meet production goals. This involves analyzing production data each day to ensure that projects are on schedule and within budget, and writing production reports to record progress.
If production is too slow, managers must create ways to increase efficiency, which may require purchasing new machinery or assigning overtime work. Further, industrial production managers must perform various types of cost analysis to ensure efficient use of financial resources.
Human resources-related tasks also fall under industrial production managers’ responsibilities. They are responsible for hiring, training and evaluating workers to ensure each meets performance and safety requirements. Industrial production managers often work with managers from other departments, such as procurement, sales, warehousing, and research and design.
Industrial production managers typically have excellent interpersonal, leadership, problem-solving and time management skills. These skills allow managers to perform their duties competently, manage teams effectively and interface constructively with executive leadership and other stakeholders.
Industrial Production Manager Salary
The median annual wage for industrial production managers was $121,440 in 2024, according to BLS wage data. This means that half of workers in this role earned less than $121,440 and half earned more.
The lowest paid 10% of industrial production managers earned less than $74,900 in 2024, and the top 10% made more than $197,310 per year. Salaries vary widely according to specific job role, industry, company and region. Top salaries generally go to professionals with advanced education, substantial experience and the ability to excel on the job.
Education and Training Requirements for Industrial Production Management
The majority of industrial production managers have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or industrial engineering. However, according to BLS, some employers prefer to hire candidates with an MBA or another type of graduate degree in industrial management.
To gain a competitive edge in the job search, industrial production managers should consider earning an optional credential. Examples are the Association for Supply Chain Management’s Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) certification or the American Society for Quality’s Lean Specialized Credential.
The Path Toward a Career in Industrial Production Management
Some managers start their careers by working at a manufacturing company immediately following college or graduate school. This gives them an early start in job training and learning about company policies, the production process and safety rules. Employees who start at large companies may have the opportunity to work in various departments and learn more about the business in general.
Working professionals can continue in their current job roles while advancing their education and career prospects with the online design of Florida Tech’s general MBA program. This degree program integrates cross-functional business management coursework with customizable electives and STEM-based studies, preparing professionals to excel in the modern world of tech-driven industrial production management.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online MBA program.
