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What is a senior manufacturing supervisor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Jianyu Liang

Senior manufacturing supervisors work in production plants and oversee the activities of production workers during their shifts. They are responsible for devising and implementing production plans, and they make sure the products meet prescribed specifications.

It will be your job to make sure the department functions within expected metrics. You will be there to check on the setup and adjustments of machines and inspect the quality of the products and processes. You will manage the workers' schedules and make sure work is done within appropriate time frames.

You will assign tasks according to job orders from higher management. You will be there to mediate between other departments and your own, coordinating tasks between production and the warehouse, procurement, and quality assurance teams. It will be your responsibility to properly train workers, and you will have to motivate your team to achieve the best results.

What general advice would you give to a senior manufacturing supervisor?

Jianyu Liang

Director of Materials and Manufacturing Engineering Program, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, WPI, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

At the start of your career, actively engaging in the manufacturing professional communities to develop an in-depth understanding of the current high-demand areas and the trends in the industry will help you position yourself in high-demand areas. This proactive approach allows you to make informed decisions on obtaining relevant certifications or advanced education, tailoring your skill set to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Proactively engaging in projects and practices to grow your experience. Building a strong professional network and finding mentors in the industry can provide guidance, expose you to new opportunities, and offer insights on navigating your career path effectively. Embracing continuous learning and staying abreast of technological advancements in manufacturing, such as automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing technologies, will ensure you remain a valuable asset to employers. Demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to adapt to new methods and technologies can set you apart in a competitive job market.
ScoreSenior Manufacturing SupervisorUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $98,355

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.1

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%

Asian 4.48%

Black or African American 9.94%

Hispanic or Latino 21.69%

Unknown 4.06%

White 59.14%

Gender

female 16.31%

male 83.69%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Senior manufacturing supervisor career paths

Key steps to become a senior manufacturing supervisor

  1. Explore senior manufacturing supervisor education requirements

    Most common senior manufacturing supervisor degrees

    Bachelor's

    73.2 %

    Master's

    10.7 %

    Associate

    9.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior manufacturing supervisor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Lean Manufacturing9.52%
    Production Schedules7.20%
    Corrective Action6.81%
    FDA6.66%
    Sigma5.69%
  3. Complete relevant senior manufacturing supervisor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior 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 senior manufacturing supervisor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior manufacturing supervisor resumes.
  4. Research senior manufacturing supervisor duties and responsibilities

    • Manage production control systems to ensure high quality and adherence to all FDA regulation.
    • Manage a team of QC inspectors for inspecting automotive components from manufacturing line
    • Interface with regulatory agencies (FDA, TGA, DEA and EMEA) for on-site inspections and follow up.
    • Involve in production, GMP compliance, new equipment qualification.
  5. Get senior manufacturing supervisor experience

    Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a senior manufacturing supervisor. The most common roles before becoming a senior manufacturing supervisor include manufacturing supervisor, production supervisor team lead and supervisor.
  6. Prepare your senior manufacturing supervisor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior 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 senior 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 senior manufacturing supervisor resume templates

    Build a professional senior 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 senior manufacturing supervisor resume.
    Senior Manufacturing Supervisor Resume
    Senior Manufacturing Supervisor Resume
    Senior Manufacturing Supervisor Resume
    Senior Manufacturing Supervisor Resume
    Senior Manufacturing Supervisor Resume
    Senior Manufacturing Supervisor Resume
    Senior Manufacturing Supervisor Resume
    Senior Manufacturing Supervisor Resume
    Senior Manufacturing Supervisor Resume
  7. Apply for senior manufacturing supervisor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior manufacturing supervisor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first senior manufacturing supervisor job

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Average senior manufacturing supervisor salary

The average senior manufacturing supervisor salary in the United States is $98,355 per year or $47 per hour. Senior manufacturing supervisor salaries range between $72,000 and $133,000 per year.

Average senior manufacturing supervisor salary
$98,355 Yearly
$47.29 hourly

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Senior manufacturing supervisor reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

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.

Cons

There are ups and down but it is gratifying when you come out on top


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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022
Pros

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.

Cons

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.


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

The diversity of tasks, interaction with all stakeholders, continuous learning process, communication. Allows great progression in many technical skills


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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