Production Control Manager
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Build and maintain production schedules based on demand, capacity, and lead times
- Release work orders and prioritize jobs across production lines
- Coordinate material availability with purchasing, receiving, and inventory teams
- Track production progress and address shortages, delays, and bottlenecks
- Set and monitor inventory targets for raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods
- Lead daily production planning meetings and communicate changes to stakeholders
- Maintain accurate planning data in the planning system and inventory system
- Partner with quality, engineering, and maintenance to reduce downtime and rework
- Report schedule performance, on time delivery, and inventory health to leadership
- Support continuous improvement projects that increase throughput and reliability
Top Skills for Success
Production Scheduling
Demand Planning
Capacity Planning
Inventory Management
Materials Planning
Workflow Optimization
Root Cause Analysis
Problem Solving
Stakeholder Communication
Team Leadership
Process Improvement
ERP Systems
Excel Modeling
Data Reporting
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Production Manager
Operations Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Materials Manager
Plant Manager
Transition Opportunities
Master Scheduler
Demand Planning Manager
Inventory Planning Manager
Continuous Improvement Manager
Program Manager
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Advanced ERP PlanningInventory Accuracy ManagementStatistical ForecastingSIOP Process KnowledgeKPI DesignChange ManagementSupplier Lead Time Management
Development SuggestionsStrengthen planning fundamentals by owning a monthly planning cycle, improving key master data, and leading one cross functional project focused on schedule adherence or inventory reduction. Build credibility with clear metrics, routine communication, and consistent follow through.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 65,000 to 85,000
Mid LevelUSD 85,000 to 115,000
Senior LevelUSD 115,000 to 155,000
Growth Trend
Stable to growing demand, driven by supply chain uncertainty, reshoring of manufacturing, and increased focus on inventory accuracy and on time delivery.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
BoeingLockheed MartinRaytheonGeneral MotorsFordTeslaToyotaGE AerospaceSiemens3MMedtronicJohnson and JohnsonProcter and GamblePepsiCoCaterpillarHoneywell
Industry Sectors
Aerospace and DefenseAutomotiveMedical DevicesConsumer Packaged GoodsIndustrial EquipmentElectronics ManufacturingFood and BeveragePharmaceutical ManufacturingChemical ManufacturingContract Manufacturing
Recommended Next Steps
1
Audit current schedule performance and define three measurable improvement targets2
Map the end to end planning process and document key decision points3
Improve master data quality for lead times, lot sizes, and safety stock4
Create a weekly planning dashboard for on time delivery, shortages, and inventory turns5
Run a structured daily shortage review and track resolution time6
Lead a capacity and constraint review to reduce bottlenecks7
Get hands on training in the company ERP planning modules8
Build a standardized communication rhythm with production, purchasing, and customer service