Overview

Production Managers work in a variety of settings within agriculture including animal production, seed and chemical production, and the food sector.  They are responsible for overseeing day to day activities as they relate to the successful production of the product the company produces. 

What responsibilities will I have?

• Prepare and administer work orders
• Schedule production crew assignments
• Ensure work orders are completed on time and within budget
• Ensure that production crew is trained and in compliance with federal, state, and company regulations to ensure work is completed in a safe manner and to avoid work related accidents
• Ensure production crew is trained on proper use and handling of chemicals
• Interview, hire, evaluate performance, and administer disciplinary actions for production crew personnel
• Oversight of employee and food safety programs
• Achievement of productivity, efficiency, customer service, cost, quality, safety and employee engagement objectives
• Confer with management personnel to establish processing and quality control standards, to develop budget and cost controls, and to obtain data regarding types, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates of products ordered
• Plan and direct processing activities and establishes processing priorities for products in keeping with effective operations and cost factors
• Coordinate processing activities with procurement, maintenance, and quality control activities to obtain optimum processing and utilization of human resources, machines, and equipment
• Revise processing schedules and priorities as a result of equipment failure or operating problems
• Consult with engineering personnel relative to modification of machines and equipment in order to improve processing and quality of products

What education and training is required?

A bachelor’s degree in agricultural business, food science, animal or poultry science, is needed. Some roles may also be obtainable with an associate’s degree. 

To pursue a career as a production manager:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, animal science, mathematics, Spanish, biology and chemistry.

Where can I work?

Production managers work in food processing facilities ranging from meat to dry packaged goods. As well in live animal production settings and in the chemical/biotech industry. 

Future Job Market / Outlook

The future outlook for a production manager will be good over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• National Association of Manufacturers
• American Society of Animal Science 
• American Poultry Association