Production controllers or managers are in charge of the staff and activities involved in the production of goods in a factory. They ensure production lines run smoothly and efficiently.
The Work
You could be:
planning production targets and budgets with customers, managers and the head of production
working out the time, staff, machinery and materials needed for each job
checking that production is kept going and orders are completed on time
dealing with any problems that arise
consulting with a number of other staff such as managers, buyers, quality controllers, technicians and suppliers
ensuring and safety regulations are followed at all times
supervising and inspecting the work of assembly or production workers and packers
writing reports, keeping records and dealing with budgets and cost control.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates vary widely, depending on:
where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
An assistant production manager would earn around £20,000 to £26,000 a year. Starting salaries for production managers are usually between around £30,000 to £35,000. Senior managers can earn between £40,000 to £50,000 a year.
Conditions
You will work in a factory and in the factory offices.
You may need to wear protective clothing for reasons of hygiene and because of heat, cold, dirt and noise.
You might have to work shifts, including weekends.
As you will have to meet production targets and deadlines, work can be stressful.
You may start as a management trainee with a degree (SCQF Level 9-10) in a technical, engineering, scientific or mathematical subject. Sometimes a degree in management is acceptable.
You may get straight into a job as assistant production manager if you have a suitable degree and a postgraduate (SCQF Level 11) management qualification. Entry to a degree usually needs 3-5 Highers.
Some industries may employ you if you have a suitable HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8). Entry to these courses needs 1-2 Highers.
You may start as a production worker or supervisor and work up to this level of job, possibly through doing relevant SVQs or other qualifications.
You might get in through a Modern Apprenticeship in Management.
You would probably do an in-house induction course and on the job training.
You might do a part time college course in management or technical subjects, possibly leading to SVQs. For example, there are SVQs in Management at SCQF Levels 7, 9 and 11.
You might also want to study for the Institute of Operations Management (IOM) Manufacturing Production and Operations at Levels 2 or 3 or Manufacturing Production and Operations Management at Levels 5 or 6. See their website for more details.
