Synonyms: Operations Manager, Production Manager, Plant Supervisor, Manufacturing Manager, Facility Manager, Operations Director
A plant manager oversees all manufacturing facility operations. This includes managing staff, ensuring product quality, optimizing production processes, and coordinating resources to efficiently and cost-effectively meet production targets.
$116,970 annually or $51.47 per hour.
A plant manager typically works full-time, often exceeding 40 hours per week, with a standard 8 to 5 schedule but needs to be on-site to manage operations effectively, sometimes including nights, weekends, and being on call for emergencies. Remote work is limited due to the need for physical presence to oversee the plant and support the workforce.
The future for plant managers is bright, with employment projected to grow by 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is about average for all occupations.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering or business administration is typically required to become a plant manager, though extensive production experience can sometimes substitute for formal education.
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Erica Kucera to learn more about being a plant manager below!
Full-time, often more than 40 hours a week, with peak activity during holidays and slower periods in July. They may need to be on call for emergencies and sometimes work night or weekend shifts.
On-site at a manufacturing plant, dividing their time between office tasks and the production area, where they may need to wear protective gear. While some administrative tasks can be done remotely, their physical presence is crucial for effectively managing plant operations and supporting the workforce.
Planning and overseeing production schedules, managing staff, ensuring quality and safety standards, coordinating with sales and suppliers, and resolving operational issues to maintain smooth and efficient manufacturing processes.
Production and processing, business administration, customer service, education and training, and mathematics. This includes knowledge of manufacturing processes, strategic planning, resource allocation, quality control, and customer satisfaction.
Coordination, critical thinking, judgment and decision-making, monitoring performance, and effective communication. These skills are essential for managing teams, solving problems, making informed decisions, and ensuring smooth operations.
MS Word and Excel for administrative tasks, ERP software like Oracle, PeopleSoft, and SAP for resource planning, and industrial control software such as SCADA. They also use measuring tools like micrometers and tape measures for precise production measurements.
Business, interpersonal, and leadership skills, along with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. They are detail-oriented, adaptable, dependable, and proficient in both oral and written communication, making them effective at managing production operations and addressing issues.
Enterprising activities involving leadership, decision-making, and business management. They enjoy roles that require negotiating, marketing, and overseeing operations to achieve organizational goals effectively.
Enterprising personality, demonstrating skills in managing, negotiating, and leading within a business environment. They also have a conventional approach, adhering to procedures and organizing information effectively, while being comfortable with realistic tasks that involve physical activity or working with equipment and materials.
Independence, as they often work autonomously and make decisions crucial to operations. They also prioritize good working conditions and value relationships, enjoying environments where they can provide service, collaborate with others, and uphold moral values.
A bachelor’s degree is typically required, with majors in business or engineering being common choices. While a master’s degree or extensive production experience can sometimes substitute for a bachelor’s degree, entry into this role from diverse backgrounds, like teaching or coaching, is also possible.
Majors in business or engineering are common choices. While a master’s degree or extensive production experience can sometimes substitute for a bachelor’s degree, entry into this role from diverse backgrounds, like teaching or coaching, is also possible.
Source: Quality Inspection Org
To become a great plant manager, gain hands-on experience in industries like plastics, distribution, or oil and gas. Seek out companies offering training programs to develop the skills needed for effective management in manufacturing environments.
The fastest way to become a plant manager is by gaining practical experience in industries like plastics or distribution, supplemented by tailored training programs. However, patience is essential; Erica, for example, took seven years to reach her current plant manager role, starting from entry-level positions.
Aspiring plant managers should explore industry-specific training on materials and equipment, along with reading materials and facility tours for practical learning. It’s important to assess the quality of resources to maximize their educational value.
“It’s okay to not know everything. Be okay with not knowing everything, but be willing to figure it out. There’s a lot of power in saying that you don’t know something, but you’ll get an answer. Lifelong learning is key, and people respect someone willing to admit when they don’t have all the answers but are committed to finding them.”
Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 19 June 2024.
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