7 Steps to Become Industrial Production Manager
Industrial production managers are essential to a manufacturing or industrial organization's smooth operation and development of high-quality products. They are in charge of managing every stage of the production process, including scheduling, budgeting, resource management, and putting in place quality control procedures.
To become an industrial production manager, you typically need to follow these steps:
- Earn a bachelor's degree: Most industrial production managers have a bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field.
- Gain work experience: Start by working in a production-related role, such as production supervisor or coordinator, and gain experience in all aspects of production processes.
- Develop technical and leadership skills: Seek out opportunities to develop your technical knowledge and leadership skills.
- Network and build relationships: Network with other production professionals in your industry and build relationships with key stakeholders.
- Seek out promotions and advancement opportunities: Look for opportunities to take on more responsibility and advance within your organization.
- Consider certification: Consider obtaining a certification, such as a Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) designation, to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
- Keep up to date with industry developments: Stay up to date with changes in production methods and technologies and seek out professional development opportunities.
Note: The specific requirements for becoming an industrial production manager can vary depending on the industry and the organization. Some organizations may require a master's degree or additional work experience, while others may place a greater emphasis on certifications or technical skills.
How long does it take to become an industrial production manager?
The length of time it takes to become an industrial production manager can vary depending on a number of factors, including your prior education and work experience, the pace of your career advancement, and the specific requirements of the organizations you work for.
Typically, it takes several years of work experience in a production-related role before you are eligible to become an industrial production manager. Some individuals may be able to advance to this role after as little as 5 years, while others may take longer, especially if they are working in a larger organization or in a highly specialized industry.
Earning a bachelor's degree can take 4 years, and obtaining a master's degree can take an additional 2 years. Gaining certifications, such as a Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) designation, can take additional time and effort, but can also demonstrate your expertise and help you advance in your career.
Overall, the length of time it takes to become an industrial production manager can range from 5 to 10 years or more, depending on your individual circumstances and career goals.
What is the starting salary for an industrial production manager?
The starting salary for an industrial production manager can vary depending on a number of factors, including the industry, the size of the organization, the location, and the individual's education and experience.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for industrial production managers was $105,480 as of May 2020. The lowest 10% of industrial production managers earned less than $62,560 per year, while the highest 10% earned more than $162,560 per year.
Starting salaries for entry-level industrial production managers are typically lower and may range from $60,000 to $80,000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. As an industrial production manager gains experience and takes on more responsibility, their salary can increase.
But the starting salary for an industrial production manager can vary greatly based on the individual's qualifications, industry, and location, and the data above should only be used as a rough guide.