Manufacturing production supervisor vs production leader

The differences between manufacturing production supervisors 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 production supervisor and a production leader. Additionally, a production leader has an average salary of $44,563, which is higher than the $32,337 average annual salary of a manufacturing production supervisor.

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

Manufacturing production supervisor vs production leader overview

	Manufacturing Production Supervisor	Production Leader
Yearly salary	$32,337	$44,563
Hourly rate	$15.55	$21.42
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	122,939	107,578
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	2	2

What does a manufacturing production supervisor do?

Manufacturing production supervisors are professionals who are responsible for overseeing the production activities of a manufacturing firm. These supervisors are required to implement process improvement initiatives that focus on cost reduction, quality improvement, and business growth. They must maintain a sufficient inventory of materials so that they can meet production schedules and ensure on-time delivery to customers. Manufacturing production supervisors also need to monitor the progress and performance level of the manufacturing team and implement disciplinary actions regarding safety behavior and attendance.

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 production supervisor vs production leader salary

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

	Manufacturing Production Supervisor	Production Leader
Average salary	$32,337	$44,563
Salary range	Between $20,000 And $49,000	Between $31,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	Aurora, IL	New York, NY
Highest paying state	North Dakota	New York
Best paying company	Baker Hughes	Meta
Best paying industry	Automotive	Technology

Differences between manufacturing production supervisor and production leader education

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

	Manufacturing Production Supervisor	Production Leader
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Manufacturing production supervisor vs production leader demographics

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

	Manufacturing Production Supervisor	Production Leader
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%	Male, 70.6% Female, 29.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 5.4% White, 59.5% 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 Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between manufacturing production supervisor and production leader duties and responsibilities

Manufacturing production supervisor example responsibilities.

Manage numerous lean Kaizen events, resulting in a more productive department.
Serve as main production floor support to enforce GMP to achieve SQF and HACCP plant certifications.
Lead targeted decision-making across fast-pace production operations for this growth-orient USDA food factory producing quality meat products.
Certify that GMP's and company safety procedures are adhere to.
Incorporate Kaizen principles to identify, address and follow up on any production problems.
Provide compliance training in the relevant areas of FDA, DEA and OSHA regulation, company policies and procedures.

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.

Manufacturing production supervisor vs production leader skills

Common manufacturing production supervisor skills

Continuous Improvement, 12%
Lean Manufacturing, 11%
Production Schedules, 7%
Sigma, 4%
Production Lines, 4%
Equipment Performance, 3%

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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Manufacturing Production Supervisor
Manufacturing Production Supervisor vs Production Leader

Updated January 8, 2025

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