Electric and Electronic Product Manufacturing Supervisors oversee and coordinate the activities of workers responsible for the assembly, inspection, and testing of electrical and electronic goods and components.

With the increasing digitization and automation, technology has become a critical factor across all sectors and industries. This makes the electrical and electronic components that power these technologies more important than ever. Motor vehicle technologies also incorporate a growing number of electronic systems, including batteries, electric motors, and electronic computer systems.

Where do Electrical and Electronic Product Manufacturing Supervisors work?

What do Electrical and Electronic Product Manufacturing Supervisors do?

Electronic and Electrical Product Manufacturing Supervisors coordinate, schedule and supervise the activities of workers who assemble, fabricate, inspect and test electronic and electromechanical assemblies, subassemblies, parts and components, or activities of workers who assemble, fabricate and inspect various types of electrical apparatus and equipment. The following are other common tasks they perform:

• Train workers in job duties, safety procedures and company policies and recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
• Resolve work problems and recommend work measures to improve productivity
• Establish methods to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments
• Prepare production and other reports

Career pathways & potential earnings of Electrical and Electronic Product Manufacturing Supervisors

Manufacturing Supervisors can progress to other roles and positions:

Supervisors in Electronic and Electrical Product Manufacturing can also apply their skills and expertise in other occupations such as the following:

• Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications services
• Supervisors, other product manufacturing and assembly

How do I become a Product Manufacturing Supervisor?

There are some barriers to entry to become an Electronic and Electric Product Manufacturing Supervision. Qualifications for Electronic and Electric Product Manufacturing Supervision may vary depending on the province or company, but the most common requirements include:

• Minimum Education: Completion of secondary school is usually required. Some positions may require post-secondary education in electronics, electrical or manufacturing technology or a related discipline.
• Training and other requirements: Several years of experience as an electronics or electric assembler, fabricator, inspector, tester or lead hand are usually required for some positions.

Important skills of Electrical and Electronic Product Manufacturing Supervisors

Electrical and Electronic Product Assembly Supervisors work in an environment where they must coordinate and supervise the activities of different workers. They must possess good communication skills to be effective mentors and supervisors, and teach best practices and policies.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Management and Administration
• Management of Personnel Resources
• Operations Monitoring and Analysis
• Electrical and Electronics
• Logistics and Supply Chain Software

Soft Skills

• Coordination
• Mentoring and Motivating
• Communication
• Supervision
• Oral Expression and Comprehension

Future of Electrical and Electronic Product Manufacturing Supervisors in Canada

Electronic and Electric Product Manufacturing Supervisors have a small market, but are very important in manufacturing. In 2021, more than 2,100 supervisors were employed across Canada. Within the automotive sector, FOCAL projects nearly 50 supervision job openings between 2021 and 2030. FOCAL also forecasts that during the same period, most of the 50 supervisors will need to be new to the sector, to fill the looming recruitment gap. As the automotive industry transitions to electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, Electronic and Electrical Product Manufacturing Supervisors will be increasingly important in the broader automotive manufacturing sector.

Learn more about the job market for Electronic and Electrical Product Manufacturing Supervision, 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.