Skip to main content

How to become a production manager

Link up the elements of the production chain by ensuring manufacturing is safe, resourced, and to schedule.

What does a production manager do?

Production managers are key players in the manufacturing process. They make sure that goods and services are safely produced to standard, delivered on time, and within budget.

Duties and tasks

  • Oversee the entire production process.

  • Organise production schedules.

  • Assess resourcing requirements, select and train staff, and supervise and motivate them.

  • Prepare and adjust budgets, purchase materials and resources, and maintain equipment.

  • Comply with quality and health and safety standards.

  • Keep records and prepare reports on outputs and performance.

Industry bodies

Related jobs

Discover related degrees

Griffith University

Bachelor of Business

UndergraduateGRF-BUS-DEG

Get the professional skills employers are looking for

Learn how organisations work and visualise where you fit in. Get familiar with financial documents, risk, and business comms. This business course gives you a 360-degree view of business strategy. Specialisations include marketing and management. 

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Marketing
  • Human Resource Management
  • Management
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Sport Management
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • International Business
  • Political Science and International Relations
  • Contemporary Marketing
  • Strategic Communication (second major only)
University of Tasmania

Supply chain management skills for many industries—including health

A specialised logistics course for emerging leaders. You’ll build on your natural leadership qualities and explore procurement, warehousing, and more. Grow your confidence. Get ready to work independently at a higher level.

Study method
100% online
RMIT University

Impactful skills to drive positive change

Learn to shape sustainable workplaces—and build your business career. This course empowers you to lead change, tackle global challenges, and create sustainable success. Explore how to make a real impact where people, planet, and profit are balanced.

Study method
100% online
RMIT University

An in-depth understanding of global supply chain logistics

Apply advanced insights to the core principals of supply chain management. You’ll deep dive into supply chain modelling, business analytics, and sustainability. Build expertise to modernise and optimise. Solve operationally complex problems.

Study method
100% online
Explore logistics courses

Discover related subjects

University of Tasmania

Sensors and Sensor Networks

UndergraduateTAS-ZAT124

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 23 Feb 2026
University of Tasmania

Quality Management

UndergraduateTAS-ZAS125

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of Tasmania

Supply Chain and Logistics Management

UndergraduateTAS-ZAA156

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
La Trobe University

Food and Fibre Markets

UndergraduateLTU-MKT3FFM

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026

Need help making study choices for your career?

Student advisor working on a laptop in OUA’s bright and modern office atrium
Matthew is part of our team of student advisors here to answer your questions.

Need help making study choices for your career?

Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.

They'll help you with:

  • Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.

  • Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.

  • Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.

Get unbiased advice at no cost today.

Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us

Step up your career with these resources

How to write a business plan

Thinking about striking out on your own and starting your own company? Here's how to create an effective business plan.

10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025

Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.

5 small business courses for self-starters

Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.

How to negotiate a higher salary

Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.