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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Industrial Manager

💰 $110,000 - $185,000+

ManufacturingOperations ManagementEngineeringLeadershipSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

The Industrial Manager is the strategic leader at the heart of the production environment, responsible for steering all manufacturing and operational activities toward peak efficiency, quality, and safety. This pivotal role involves the comprehensive oversight of people, processes, and machinery to meet production goals, control costs, and drive continuous improvement. Functioning as a bridge between senior leadership and the plant floor, the Industrial Manager translates high-level business objectives into tangible, day-to-day operational strategies. They are the architects of a well-run facility, ensuring that everything from resource allocation and supply chain coordination to employee development and regulatory compliance works in harmony to achieve organizational success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Supervisor or Team Lead
  • Senior Process or Manufacturing Engineer
  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Operations Analyst

Advancement To:

  • Plant Director or General Manager
  • Director of Operations
  • Vice President (VP) of Manufacturing
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Lateral Moves:

  • Director of Supply Chain Management
  • Director of Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence
  • Senior Project Manager (Large-Scale Capital Projects)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct and manage all plant operations with overall responsibilities for production, maintenance, quality, and other production-related activities to meet customer and business requirements.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive production plans and schedules to ensure timely delivery of products while maximizing the utilization of equipment, materials, and labor.
  • Champion a culture of safety by implementing and enforcing robust health and safety procedures, ensuring compliance with all OSHA and environmental regulations, and leading investigations into any incidents.
  • Drive a continuous improvement mindset throughout the facility, utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to optimize processes, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
  • Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the plant, including production volume, cost per unit, on-time delivery, scrap rates, and safety metrics.
  • Prepare and manage the annual operational and capital expenditure budgets for the plant, tracking performance against budget and implementing corrective actions to control costs.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the plant leadership team and workforce, fostering an environment of accountability, engagement, and professional growth through effective training and performance management.
  • Ensure the consistent production of high-quality products by overseeing the Quality Management System (QMS), collaborating with quality assurance teams, and addressing any non-conformance issues.
  • Oversee the plant's maintenance program to ensure optimal equipment reliability and uptime, planning for preventive maintenance and managing repairs to minimize production disruptions.
  • Collaborate closely with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure a steady and cost-effective flow of raw materials and components, while also managing finished goods inventory levels.
  • Formulate and implement plant-level policies and procedures that align with overall company objectives and ensure operational consistency and discipline.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for the facility, managing relationships with local community leaders, regulatory agencies, and key vendors or contractors.
  • Lead the planning and execution of capital improvement projects, from initial concept and justification to final implementation and commissioning.
  • Analyze production data and operational reports to identify trends, diagnose root causes of problems, and develop data-driven strategies for improvement.
  • Cultivate a positive and productive work environment by promoting open communication, resolving employee grievances, and upholding company values and ethics.
  • Coordinate with Human Resources to manage workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies for all plant personnel.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and best practices in manufacturing management to ensure the plant remains competitive and innovative.
  • Manage and optimize the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and other manufacturing software to enhance operational visibility and control.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to resolve complex operational challenges, ensuring seamless collaboration between engineering, quality, finance, and production departments.
  • Prepare and present regular operational performance reviews to senior executive leadership, clearly articulating achievements, challenges, and strategic recommendations.

Secondary Functions

  • Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and professional associations to build networks and gather competitive intelligence.
  • Mentor and coach emerging leaders within the operations team, contributing to succession planning and talent development initiatives.
  • Participate in strategic planning sessions with senior management to contribute operational insights to long-term business goals.
  • Lead or sponsor employee engagement and recognition programs to foster a positive and motivating workplace culture.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma: Expert-level knowledge and practical application of continuous improvement principles to eliminate waste and reduce process variation.
  • ERP Systems: Proficiency with major Enterprise Resource Planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics 365) for production planning and inventory control.
  • Financial Acumen & Budgeting: Strong ability to develop, manage, and analyze operational budgets, P&L statements, and capital expenditure requests.
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Deep understanding of quality standards and systems like ISO 9001, including root cause analysis and corrective action processes.
  • Supply Chain Management: Knowledge of supply chain logistics, inventory management, and procurement strategies.
  • OSHA & Environmental Regulations: Comprehensive understanding of workplace safety, health, and environmental compliance requirements.
  • Production Planning & Scheduling: Skill in creating and managing complex production schedules using software tools and manual systems.
  • Maintenance Management: Familiarity with maintenance strategies, including Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and preventive/predictive maintenance programs.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to interpret operational data, identify trends, and use metrics to drive decision-making.
  • Project Management: Proven ability to manage projects from conception to completion, particularly for capital equipment and facility upgrades.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Motivation: Inspiring and guiding large, diverse teams toward common goals while fostering a collaborative and accountable culture.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture, anticipate future trends, and align operational activities with long-term business strategy.
  • Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Decisive and analytical approach to identifying root causes and implementing effective, timely solutions under pressure.
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey information to everyone from shop-floor employees to the executive board.
  • Negotiation & Conflict Resolution: Adept at navigating complex negotiations with suppliers, unions, and internal stakeholders, and resolving conflicts constructively.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment and lead through periods of change or crisis.
  • Business Acumen: A strong understanding of the business as a whole, including market dynamics, financial drivers, and customer needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an operations focus or a Master's degree in a relevant technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Operations Management
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 7-15 years of progressive experience in a manufacturing, production, or industrial environment.

Preferred:

  • A minimum of 5 years in a significant leadership capacity (e.g., Production Manager, Operations Supervisor) with direct responsibility for managing teams, budgets, and operational performance. Experience in a unionized environment is a plus for relevant industries.
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