Manufacturing Managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of manufacturing and production departments and businesses.

Working with general and senior managers, they manage and lead daily functions such as administration, budgeting, quality control and supervision of technical work. FOCAL projects a strong labour market for manufacturing managers, with over 1500 openings over the next decade within the automotive sector.

Where do Manufacturing Managers work?

What do Manufacturing Managers do?

Manufacturing Managers are coordinators of administration and production activities. Responsible for planning plant upgrades and monitoring the continuous improvement of production lines, they regularly work with new technologies in management and manufacturing.

• Hire, supervise and train or oversee the training of employees in the use of new equipment or production techniques
• Develop and implement plans to efficiently use materials, labor and equipment to meet production targets
• Plan and implement changes to machinery and equipment, production systems and methods of work
• Direct quality control inspection system and develop production reporting procedures

Career pathways & potential earnings of Manufacturing Managers

Manufacturing Managers usually have prior experience in manufacturing or administration, and can progress into senior management and executive roles with adequate experience and knowledge:

Manufacturing Managers can also apply their skills and expertise in other occupations such as the following:

• Utilities Managers
• Construction Managers
• Professional occupations in business management consulting

How do I become a Manufacturing Manager?

There are several educational, licensing and training requirements to become a Manufacturing Manager. Some requirements may vary by province or company. Below are the most commonly required qualifications to work as a Manufacturing Managers:

• Minimum Education: Some roles may require completion of a bachelors degree in engineering or business administration.
• Training and other requirements: Usually requires 5 to 10 years of supervisory experience in manufacturing.

What are the most important skills to have as a Manufacturing Manager?

Manufacturing Managers spend lots of time in supervisor and hands-on production roles, giving them thorough understanding of the production process. As managers, it is important for them to have a holistic view of production and administration, and use their know how to inform the staff they manage.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Operations Monitoring and Management
• Allocating and Controlling Resources
• Production and Processing
• Business Intelligence and Data Analysis
• Database Management
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software
• Industrial Control Software

Soft Skills

• Complex Problem Solving
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Social Perceptiveness
• Written and Oral Expression
• Mentorship and Training

Future of Manufacturing Management in Canada

The job market for Manufacturing Managers in Canada is bright and promising. In 2021, more than 70,000 manufacturing managers were employed across Canada’s sectors and industries. According to FOCAL’s occupational forecasts, there will be more than 1,500 job openings for manufacturing managers in Canada’s automotive manufacturing sector over the upcoming decade, and more than 1,400 managers will be needed to fill the recruitment gap in the sector.

Learn more about the job market for Manufacturing Managers, as well as about many other developments and new technologies in Canada’s automotive manufacturing by visiting our website futureautolabourforce.ca. You can also check our social media by following these links: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.