Manufacturing Supervisor
What is the work like?
Manufacturing supervisors are responsible for the day-to-day running of production processes in all types of manufacturing operations. Supervisors make sure that the production line is running smoothly and that individual workers and teams are meeting their production targets.
You main duties as a supervisor would include:
- planning and organising staff shift rotas and tasks
- reporting plant or machinery breakdowns to maintenance technicians
- organising external contracts, like cleaning or supplies
- stock control
- motivating their team
- producing management reports on performance
- monitoring quality control
- updating paperwork, such as annual leave requests and sick leave
- identifying and organising training needs.
Depending on your level of responsibility, you may also be involved in the recruitment process, health and safety monitoring and industrial relations.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would normally gain promotion within your company, after building up your technical skills and experience as a production worker. You could also enter this job directly with the right qualifications and experience from related work, for example mechanical engineering maintenance.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme with a manufacturing company then, once qualified, move into a supervisory role. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
If you are thinking about applying for a supervisory position, there are several general introductory qualifications available in supervision and management, which would give you an insight into the duties and responsibilities of the job. You could build on these once you are working at that level by taking follow-up qualifications.
The introductory awards include:
- Chartered Management Institute's (CMI) Introductory Certificate and Certificate in Team Leading
- Institute of Leadership and Management's (ILM) Introductory Certificate in Team Leading.
See the CMI and ILM websites for more details.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a supervisor, you would receive induction training with your employer and ongoing training as required. This training can involve taking some of the higher-level qualifications through the CMI and ILM.
You can also work towards NVQ in Team Leading at Level 2 and NVQ in Management at levels 3 and 4.
The Institute of Operations Management (IOM), the professional body for people working in manufacturing supervision and management, also offers qualifications at various levels, which would recognise your skills and knowledge. You can choose from three main qualifications in operations management:
- Certificate at Level 3
- Diploma at Level 4
- Advanced Diploma at Level 5.
You can study for these awards with their partner colleges or by distance learning. The IOM also offers a range of short specialised courses in various areas of management and planning. See the IOM website for details about these together with partner colleges and distance learning options.
Where can I go for more information?
University of Warwick Science ParkSir William Lyons Road
Coventry
CV4 7EZ
Tel: 024 7669 2266
Cottingham Road
Corby
Northants
NN17 1TT
Tel: 01536 204222
Netherstowe
Lichfield
Staffordshire
WS13 6TJ
Tel: 01543 266867
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Manufacturing supervisors' salaries start at around £15,000 a year.
- Experienced manufacturing supervisors can earn between £17,000 and £21,000.
- Senior supervisors in larger companies can earn up to £25,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work 37 to 40 hours a week. This may include shifts covering evenings, nights and weekends.
Your time would be divided between the office and the production lines, and conditions would vary according to the company and the goods being made. You would wear protective clothing, like ear guards, safety shoes and overalls when you are on the factory floor.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to motivate staff and lead a team
- the ability to set, monitor and meet objectives
- the ability to prioritise workloads
- an approachable manner and good communication skills
- good problem-solving skills
- effective decision making
- the ability to write reports and compile accurate records
- good IT skills
- a willingness to work flexibly
- the ability to meet deadlines
- an awareness of health and safety issues.
What opportunities are there?
Opportunities exist in a wide variety of manufacturing industries, including food and drink production, pharmaceuticals, automotive and aerospace engineering.
Once you have built up your experience, you may be able to progress to quality control, production planning, research and development or management positions.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
Manufacturing Recruitment
Jobcentre Plus
Jimfinder.com
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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