Production manager (manufacturing)

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Production manager (manufacturing)

Manufacturing production managers are responsible for planning, coordinating and controlling an organisation?s manufacturing processes. They ensure that resources are used effectively, costs are minimised, quality standards are maintained, and that the operation is conducted in a safe and environmentally conscious way. They supervise production staff and liaise with people from different departments and suppliers.

Working conditions

In Western Australia, manufacturing production managers (also known as manufacturing or process managers) may work in private engineering firms, processing plants or in manufacturing industries such as food products, textiles, and building materials. Their role involves supervising staff, coordinating workflows, monitoring resources and enforcing workplace safety protocols. They may be required to do shift work or work extra hours to meet deadlines or resolve problems. Production managers also collaborate with research and development, quality assurance and logistics teams to align production with innovation and market demand. 
 
In the health and medical life sciences industry, production managers are responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient and compliant manufacturing of medical products such as pharmaceuticals, cell and gene therapies, vaccines and medical devices. They manage day to day production operations, ensuring output meets strict quality and regulatory standards. 
 
Manufacturing operations use potentially high risk machinery. Production managers ensure that proper workplace safety standards are followed and adequate measure are taken to minimise any associated risks to people or equipment.

Tools and technologies

Manufacturing production managers use standard office equipment including computers and specialist business software. Depending on their particular area of manufacture, they may apply specialist knowledge of machinery, processing or engineering operations. They may also be involved with product design and purchasing.

Education and training

There are multiple pathways to becoming a production manager, with opportunities often shaped by the specific industry or industry sector.
 

TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Western Australia offer courses in manufacturing. Browse courses through Jobs and Skills WA to find a registered provider near you. You can also undertake a traineeship or an apprenticeship in manufacturing.
 

Several universities in Western Australia ? including Curtin University, Edith Cowan University (ECU), Murdoch University, and the University of Western Australia (UWA) ? offer degrees in engineering, science and business that can lead into production management roles in pharmaceuticals, medical and biotechnology manufacturing.
 

For details on course structure, entry requirements and application deadlines, please contact the educational institutions directly.

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