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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Industrial Producer

💰 $85,000 - $135,000

ManufacturingProduction ManagementEngineeringOperations

🎯 Role Definition

An Industrial Producer is the central figure in the manufacturing process, responsible for orchestrating the entire production lifecycle of industrial goods. This role bridges the gap between design, engineering, supply chain, and the factory floor, ensuring that products are manufactured efficiently, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. They are process-driven project managers, problem-solvers, and leaders who drive continuous improvement and operational excellence within an industrial environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Coordinator
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Process Technician
  • Project Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Industrial Producer
  • Operations Manager
  • Plant Manager
  • Director of Manufacturing

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Quality Assurance Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee the entire production schedule from raw material procurement to final product shipment, ensuring alignment with customer deadlines and business objectives.
  • Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets for new product introductions (NPI) and existing product line modifications.
  • Act as the primary liaison between engineering, design, supply chain, quality assurance, and production teams to ensure seamless information flow and project execution.
  • Identify, analyze, and mitigate potential risks within the production process, including supply chain disruptions, equipment failure, and quality control issues.
  • Champion and implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement, reduce waste, and optimize production efficiency.
  • Lead production planning meetings, providing clear status updates, and facilitating collaborative problem-solving to overcome operational hurdles.
  • Manage relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and contract manufacturers, negotiating contracts and ensuring they meet quality and delivery standards.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive production documentation, including work instructions, process flows, and bills of materials (BOMs).
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, cost of goods sold (COGS), production yield, and scrap rates, reporting findings to senior management.
  • Coordinate the procurement and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment and technology, overseeing installation and process validation.
  • Conduct capacity planning and resource allocation analysis to ensure the production floor can meet current and future demand forecasts.
  • Ensure all production activities comply with industry standards, as well as health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations.
  • Troubleshoot production line issues in real-time, working hands-on with technicians and engineers to implement effective and sustainable solutions.
  • Drive cost-reduction initiatives by analyzing production costs, material usage, and labor efficiency, and proposing data-driven improvements.
  • Manage the prototyping and pilot run phases for new products, gathering feedback and ensuring manufacturing readiness for mass production.
  • Facilitate cross-functional team collaboration to resolve complex manufacturing challenges and foster a culture of innovation and shared ownership.
  • Prepare detailed reports and presentations for executive leadership on production performance, project status, and strategic initiatives.
  • Evaluate and improve manufacturing processes by applying knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials.
  • Define and track quality control metrics throughout the production process, collaborating with the QA team to conduct root cause analysis for any deviations.
  • Mentor and guide junior production staff, providing technical expertise and fostering professional development within the operations team.
  • Coordinate with the logistics and warehouse teams to ensure a smooth flow of materials to the production line and finished goods to the distribution center.
  • Manage engineering change orders (ECOs) and their implementation on the production floor, minimizing disruption and ensuring proper documentation.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to inform production strategy.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader operational technology strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate new product concepts into tangible engineering and manufacturing requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies, particularly where manufacturing and software teams intersect.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Production Planning & Scheduling: Expertise in creating and managing complex production schedules using ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma: Proven ability to apply methodologies like Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and DMAIC to improve processes.
  • Project Management: Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Asana) and methodologies for managing industrial projects.
  • ERP/MRP Systems: Deep understanding and hands-on experience with Enterprise Resource Planning and Material Requirements Planning software.
  • CAD Software Familiarity: The ability to read and interpret technical drawings and 3D models from software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
  • Supply Chain Management: Strong knowledge of procurement, logistics, inventory management, and vendor relationship management.
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Experience with quality standards like ISO 9001 and tools for root cause analysis and statistical process control (SPC).
  • Cost Analysis & Budgeting: Skill in tracking production costs, preparing budgets, and performing financial analysis for manufacturing projects.

Soft Skills

  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Ability to lead and influence diverse teams (engineering, quality, operators) without direct authority to achieve common goals.
  • Systematic Problem-Solving: A structured and analytical approach to identifying, diagnosing, and resolving complex production and logistical issues under pressure.
  • Clear Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting to leadership, collaborating with peers, and directing floor staff.
  • Negotiation & Influence: Strong negotiation skills for managing suppliers and persuading internal stakeholders to adopt new processes or solutions.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: The capacity to thrive and make sound decisions in a fast-paced, high-pressure manufacturing environment with shifting priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in a related field or an MBA with an operations focus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-10 years of progressive experience in a manufacturing, production, or industrial engineering environment.

Preferred: Direct experience in a specific industry (e.g., automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, medical devices) is highly desirable. PMP or Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) certification is a strong plus.

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