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What is a manufacturing supervisor and how to become one
A manufacturing supervisor oversees the production processes of a manufacturing facility. They manage and coordinate the work of production workers, ensuring that manufacturing operations run efficiently. This includes maintaining quality control standards, monitoring production schedules, and implementing safety procedures. Manufacturing supervisors manage materials, equipment, and personnel to optimize productivity and minimize waste. They must possess excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities to effectively manage teams and achieve production goals.
What general advice would you give to a manufacturing supervisor?
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 $71,330
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 3%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%
Asian 4.45%
Black or African American 11.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.73%
Unknown 4.06%
White 60.07%
Genderfemale 16.32%
male 83.68%
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
What are the pros and cons of being a manufacturing supervisor?
Pros
Opportunity for career advancement
Competitive salary and benefits
Chance to implement process improvements
Exposure to new technologies and equipment
Ability to develop problem-solving skills
Cons
Long hours and shift work
Challenging work environment with potential hazards
Limited control over production decisions
High levels of responsibility for employee safety
Potential for burnout due to high demands
Manufacturing supervisor career paths
Key steps to become a manufacturing supervisor
Explore manufacturing supervisor education requirements
Start to develop specific manufacturing supervisor skills
Skills Percentages Continuous Improvement 10.27% Lean Manufacturing 8.60% Safety Regulations 5.02% Quality Standards 4.79% GMP 4.72% Complete relevant manufacturing supervisor training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New manufacturing supervisors 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 supervisor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real manufacturing supervisor resumes.Gain additional manufacturing supervisor certifications
More About CertificationsManufacturing supervisor certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific manufacturing supervisor certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for manufacturing supervisors include Six Sigma Green Belt and Certified Security Supervision & Management (CSS).
Research manufacturing supervisor duties and responsibilities
- Conduct all safety meeting and manage the employee's time keeping (Kronos).
- Review and correct documentation and batch records while managing RODAC testing and leading CAPA investigations.
- Lead, develop, and implement the KANBAN system by providing better flows of raw material and production.
- Manage a team of 16-35 to insure packaging lines are running to standards as far as USDA guidelines and company productivity.
Prepare your manufacturing supervisor resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your manufacturing supervisor 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 supervisor 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 supervisor resume templates
Build a professional manufacturing supervisor 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 supervisor resume.
Apply for manufacturing supervisor jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a manufacturing supervisor 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 supervisor job
Are you a manufacturing supervisor?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average manufacturing supervisor salary
The average manufacturing supervisor salary in the United States is $71,330 per year or $34 per hour. Manufacturing supervisor salaries range between $55,000 and $92,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do manufacturing supervisors rate their job?
Manufacturing supervisor 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
Being able to create a work environment where people flourish, come together, build good relationships form positive teamwork, watching work flow smoothly, reaching or exceeding goals, and be accountable. 2. An opportunity to learn shop floor activities technically and also to develop managerial skills.
When my children were young and still in school, I didn't like not having a work-life balance to be with the family. But now my family is grown up with there own families.
On site rudly behavior
Updated January 8, 2025
