Production controller vs inventory control lead

The differences between production controllers and inventory control leads can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a production controller and an inventory control lead. Additionally, a production controller has an average salary of $53,125, which is higher than the $45,155 average annual salary of an inventory control lead.

The top three skills for a production controller include production control, production planning and logistics. The most important skills for an inventory control lead are logistics, inventory adjustments, and physical inventory.

Production controller vs inventory control lead overview

	Production Controller	Inventory Control Lead
Yearly salary	$53,125	$45,155
Hourly rate	$25.54	$21.71
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	71,747	50,694
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	2	2

What does a production controller do?

A production controller is in charge of overseeing manufacturing operations, ensuring the workflow adheres to the quality standards, budgets, and deadlines. It is their duty to develop production and inventory control techniques, coordinate with managers to establish objectives and guidelines, review production plans and job orders, and supervise the supply chain operations. They also monitor every procedure, implement solutions in problem areas, and produce progress reports as needed. Furthermore, as a production controller, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with the production team while implementing the company's protocols and policies.

What does an inventory control lead do?

An Inventory Control Lead oversees supplies in an organization, aiming to meet market demands and avoid oversupply. They perform regular inspections and assessments, review invoices and other documentation, monitor product distribution operations, and produce regular progress reports. It is their responsibility to address issues and concerns, resolve them promptly, and efficiently maintain smooth workflow operations. Moreover, an Inventory Control Lead manages different teams, encouraging them to reach goals while implementing company policies and guidelines.

Production controller vs inventory control lead salary

Production controllers and inventory control leads have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Production Controller	Inventory Control Lead
Average salary	$53,125	$45,155
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $74,000	Between $28,000 And $72,000
Highest paying City	Fremont, CA	Romeoville, IL
Highest paying state	California	New Jersey
Best paying company	Intuitive Surgical	Meta
Best paying industry	Technology	Energy

Differences between production controller and inventory control lead education

There are a few differences between a production controller and an inventory control lead in terms of educational background:

	Production Controller	Inventory Control Lead
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 49%	Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Western Carolina University	Western Carolina University

Production controller vs inventory control lead demographics

Here are the differences between production controllers' and inventory control leads' demographics:

	Production Controller	Inventory Control Lead
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 64.0% Female, 36.0%	Male, 67.9% Female, 32.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between production controller and inventory control lead duties and responsibilities

Production controller example responsibilities.

Manage multiple windows to access accurate inventory, P.O numbers and job numbers.
Schedule production and manage inventory of raw materials and finish products using the MRP inventory control system.
Manage production order releases base on space, capacity, man power and indenture BOM build schemes.
Provide management with visibility of material shortages, backlogs, manage WIP variances and other potential schedule conflicts.
Manage warehouse and shipping departments, responsible for outsourcing secondary machining of materials, purchasing MRO supplies and logistics.
Flight line expediter ensures maintenance accomplishment and sortie production by managing, controlling and directing allocate resources and personnel.

Inventory control lead example responsibilities.

Manage inventory and production reports through WMS for efficiency improvement opportunities.
Work with MRP and Macola inventory systems.
Report inventory balances and cycle counts in WMS systems.
Cycle counted a multi-million dollar cell phone inventory using AS400.
Work with AS400 to review and analyze computer data to ensure productivity of tires.
Train associates on inventory procedures, product put- away, and order researching, RF scanner experience.

Production controller vs inventory control lead skills

Common production controller skills

Production Control, 28%
Production Planning, 14%
Logistics, 6%
Control Procedures, 5%
Production Schedules, 3%
MRP, 3%

Common inventory control lead skills

Logistics, 15%
Inventory Adjustments, 7%
Physical Inventory, 6%
Inventory Cycle Counts, 5%
Inventory Control Procedures, 5%
Pallet Jack, 4%

Production Controller vs. similar jobs

Production Controller related careers

Production Controller related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Office and Administrative Industry
Production Controller
Production Controller vs Inventory Control Lead

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs