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Manufacturing leader vs production leader

The differences between manufacturing leaders and production leaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a manufacturing leader and a production leader. Additionally, a manufacturing leader has an average salary of $89,761, which is higher than the $44,563 average annual salary of a production leader.

The top three skills for a manufacturing leader include lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and GMP. The most important skills for a production leader are customer service, continuous improvement, and safety procedures.

Manufacturing leader vs production leader overview

Manufacturing LeaderProduction Leader
Yearly salary$89,761$44,563
Hourly rate$43.15$21.42
Growth rate--
Number of jobs87,299107,578
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

What does a manufacturing leader do?

A manufacturing leader or production leader is someone who takes charge of the manufacturer's production process. Manufacturing leaders plan, organize, and establish a recommendation for manufacturing strategies. They make sure that products are successfully developed based on the specifications. They supervise the teams working in product development and operations. It is part of their job to ensure great production management. They study successes and failures and emphasize growth. Also, they inspire and engage staff at every level of the manufacturing process.

What does a production leader do?

A production leader usually works at a manufacturing plant or a similar setting. They are primarily responsible for overseeing all processing operations and workforce performance, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. They are also responsible for coordinating with personnel, producing progress reports, processing paperwork, delegating tasks, setting the budget and goals, evaluating performances, and even training new members of the workforce. Furthermore, as a leader, it is essential to implement all policies and regulations set by the company to maintain a productive and safe work environment for everyone.

Manufacturing leader vs production leader salary

Manufacturing leaders and production leaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

Manufacturing LeaderProduction Leader
Average salary$89,761$44,563
Salary rangeBetween $63,000 And $126,000Between $31,000 And $63,000
Highest paying CityNew Brunswick, NJNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew York
Best paying companyWestern DigitalMeta
Best paying industryHealth CareTechnology

Differences between manufacturing leader and production leader education

There are a few differences between a manufacturing leader and a production leader in terms of educational background:

Manufacturing LeaderProduction Leader
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Manufacturing leader vs production leader demographics

Here are the differences between manufacturing leaders' and production leaders' demographics:

Manufacturing LeaderProduction Leader
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 79.7% Female, 20.3%Male, 70.6% Female, 29.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.1% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between manufacturing leader and production leader duties and responsibilities

Manufacturing leader example 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.
  • Run, setup, troubleshoot, and maintain coil fed presses and progressive dies.
  • Verify and update NC programming for Allen-Bradly and Omron PLC driven high-speed conveyor systems.
  • Show more

Production leader example responsibilities.

  • Manage PC production line personnel.
  • Manage the operation of three alkalize systems from a PLC.
  • Manage employee's schedules, time off requests, vacation and payroll with the KRONOS time management software.
  • Maintain maximum yields in accordance with company policies and USDA food and safety guidelines.
  • Maintain the facilities organization, appearance, and cleanliness.
  • Operate and maintain general manufacturing equipment and perform production in accordance with QSR, ISO and establish written procedures.
  • Show more

Manufacturing leader vs production leader skills

Common manufacturing leader skills
  • Lean Manufacturing, 11%
  • Continuous Improvement, 8%
  • GMP, 6%
  • Harvest, 5%
  • Sigma, 4%
  • Value Stream, 4%
Common production leader skills
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Continuous Improvement, 7%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Quality Standards, 5%
  • Customer Orders, 5%
  • Production Process, 3%

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