Production planning manager vs production controller

The differences between production planning managers and production controllers 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 planning manager and a production controller. Additionally, a production planning manager has an average salary of $88,015, which is higher than the $53,125 average annual salary of a production controller.

The top three skills for a production planning manager include MRP, continuous improvement and ERP. The most important skills for a production controller are production control, production planning, and logistics.

Production planning manager vs production controller overview

	Production Planning Manager	Production Controller
Yearly salary	$88,015	$53,125
Hourly rate	$42.31	$25.54
Growth rate	-3%	-3%
Number of jobs	68,989	71,747
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	2	2

What does a production planning manager do?

A production planning manager is in charge of developing production plans in adherence to the company's budget and deadlines. It is their duty to identify the production needs and set objectives and guidelines that would usher employees into achieving a smooth and efficient workflow. They must also monitor the progress of daily production operations, resolving issues when they arise. Furthermore, as a production planning manager, it is essential to lead and encourage employees to meet production goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

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.

Production planning manager vs production controller salary

Production planning managers and production controllers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Production Planning Manager	Production Controller
Average salary	$88,015	$53,125
Salary range	Between $63,000 And $121,000	Between $37,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	Menlo Park, CA	Fremont, CA
Highest paying state	New Hampshire	California
Best paying company	Texas Instruments	Intuitive Surgical
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Technology

Differences between production planning manager and production controller education

There are a few differences between a production planning manager and a production controller in terms of educational background:

	Production Planning Manager	Production Controller
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Western Carolina University	Western Carolina University

Production planning manager vs production controller demographics

Here are the differences between production planning managers' and production controllers' demographics:

	Production Planning Manager	Production Controller
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 75.8% Female, 24.2%	Male, 64.0% Female, 36.0%
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, 10.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between production planning manager and production controller duties and responsibilities

Production planning manager example responsibilities.

Conduct a periodic audit of production WIP and ensure set targets are achieve.
Lead project team that own the supply chain implementation / transition from legacy ERP system to BPCS.
Manage and reduce inventory by deploying Kanban, consign and vendor-manage inventory.
Create and maintain ISO procedures.
Maintain WIP inventory in accordance with demand.
Assist engineering with correcting BOM deficiencies and cost outs.

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.

Production planning manager vs production controller skills

Common production planning manager skills

MRP, 8%
Continuous Improvement, 7%
ERP, 6%
Logistics, 6%
Inventory Control, 5%
Lean Manufacturing, 4%

Common production controller skills

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

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Production Planning Manager
Production Planning Manager vs Production Controller

Updated January 8, 2025

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