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What is a manufacturing leader and how to become one
To ensure the efficiency and quality of manufactured goods, manufacturing plants often rely on manufacturing team leaders. The manufacturing team leader is in charge of providing team members with leadership resources such as knowledge, experience, motivation, support, and advice.
As a manufacturing leader, you're accountable for knowing and enforcing suitable procedures for staff to follow. You may also be asked to provide industry-specific skills for using tools and equipment, as well as recommendations on how to increase the quality and speed of production. Your responsibilities include assigning tasks to team members and providing precise instructions and processes for completing those jobs.
A Bachelor's Degree in business, electrical engineering, or management would be enough for you to work as a manufacturing leader, though a master's degree is also extremely beneficial. Customer service skills and knowledge of safety procedures will help. The average yearly income for a manufacturing team leader is $35,506 per year or $17.07 per hour.
What general advice would you give to a manufacturing leader?
Jerry Leth
VP/General Manager, MANA
To a recent college graduate, a question I pose is, "Am I going to be happier and more satisfied working for someone? Or would I be more satisfied if I embarked on a path that leads me to own my own business?"
If the answer is owning your own business, consider looking for employment as an outside salesperson for an existing manufacturers' representative business. Our average member employs six outside salespersons, and the largest employs 160. Starting out as an employee provides an opportunity to learn about the business while earning an income. When you are ready, many manufacturers' representative firms offer ownership opportunities to employees, or you may choose to move on and start your own business. Either way, you achieve your goal of owning and running your own business.
Avg. Salary $89,761
Avg. Salary $59,228
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%
Asian 4.52%
Black or African American 9.97%
Hispanic or Latino 20.45%
Unknown 4.07%
White 60.30%
Genderfemale 20.33%
male 79.67%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Manufacturing leader career paths
Key steps to become a manufacturing leader
Explore manufacturing leader education requirements
Start to develop specific manufacturing leader skills
Skills Percentages Lean Manufacturing 11.10% Continuous Improvement 7.68% GMP 5.60% Harvest 4.60% Sigma 4.49% Complete relevant manufacturing leader training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New manufacturing leaders learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a manufacturing leader based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real manufacturing leader resumes.Research manufacturing leader duties and responsibilities
- Manage the non-conformance records and coordinate with QA on keeping performances metrics up to date and post in the work cell.
- Manage and develop associates base on organizational and developmental needs/conduct monthly one-on-ones with each employee to provide guidance and leadership.
- Create wiring schematics for custom jobs for PLC wiring.
- Maintain the smooth flow of work through the shop and troubleshoot any issues.
Get manufacturing leader experience
Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a manufacturing leader. The most common roles before becoming a manufacturing leader include manufacturing engineer, production supervisor team lead and manufacturing technician.Prepare your manufacturing leader resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your manufacturing leader resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a manufacturing leader resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable manufacturing leader resume templates
Build a professional manufacturing leader resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your manufacturing leader resume.
Apply for manufacturing leader jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a manufacturing leader job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first manufacturing leader job
Are you a manufacturing leader?
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Average manufacturing leader salary
The average manufacturing leader salary in the United States is $89,761 per year or $43 per hour. Manufacturing leader salaries range between $63,000 and $126,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do manufacturing leaders rate their job?
Manufacturing leader reviews
Being part of the core team, making desicions and having a positive impact on my team daily , Expressing my abilities to grow as a leader face new challenges day to day. Put all my expierences and acknowlegment into action creating a postive enviroment to work.
There are ups and down but it is gratifying when you come out on top
Improve 5's & increase productivity, manpower reduction...n+/- concept..
Can be managed accordingly situation.
Nothing
Updated January 8, 2025
