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 £26,000 and £30,000 a year. With experience this can rise from £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.

Getting In

There are several ways to get in.

• You may start as a management trainee with a degree 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 management qualification. Entry to a degree usually needs 3-5 Highers.
• Some industries may employ you if you have a suitable Higher National Certificate or Diploma (HNC or HND). 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 Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) or other qualifications.
• You might get in through a Modern Apprenticeship in Management.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland

What Does it Take?

You should be able to:

• work well with other staff at all levels
• lead and motivate staff
• be assertive
• plan and organise staff and processes
• work to deadlines
• delegate tasks
• make decisions under pressure
• understand technical processes.

You should have:

• excellent communication skills
• good project management skills
• maths and IT skills
• good problem solving skills.

Training

• 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) Certificate or Diploma in Operations Management. See their website for more details.

Getting On

With experience, you may move on to:

• senior posts in different areas of the company
• general management.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.