Production Manager.

A production manager leads the people, equipment and schedules that turn raw materials into finished products. This production manager job description explains the duties, the measures and the pay, with a focus on FMCG and food manufacturing.

FMCG stands for fast-moving consumer goods, such as packaged food, drinks and household products. Production in these industries runs at high volume and tight margins, so planning, hygiene and efficiency are constant priorities.

What does a production manager do?

The production manager builds the schedule, allocates labour and makes sure lines have materials and people. They monitor output, yield and downtime through the shift, and step in when something goes wrong.

They also protect compliance. In food and FMCG plants, that includes hygiene, allergen control and quality systems such as GMP or HACCP. They work with maintenance on breakdowns and with quality on holds and non-conformances.

Key production measures

• Output and schedule adherence show whether the plan was achieved.
• Yield and waste show how much material becomes saleable product.
• OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) combines availability, speed and quality for a line.
• Safety and quality incidents show whether the process is under control.

Skills and qualifications employers look for

Employers look for leadership of production teams, knowledge of the process and a safe, compliant record. A diploma or degree in engineering, food technology, business or manufacturing helps, though many managers move up through experience. Lean and continuous improvement training is valued. The skills matrix guide shows how managers plan cover across stations.

Pay, hours and employment types

Production manager roles are usually permanent and full-time, with early starts and shift cover. Jobs and Skills Australia reports median full-time earnings of about $2,298 a week and $54 an hour in May 2025, in its production managers profile. Pay depends on the size of the plant, the industry and the number of people managed.

How to become a production manager

A common path runs from production worker or machine operator to leading hand, supervisor and manager. Gain experience in scheduling, quality systems and improvement projects. The leading hand entry and the machine operator entry describe the first steps.

Related Resources

• Manufacturing and production labour hire in Melbourne
• Food production recruitment in Melbourne
• Permanent recruitment in Melbourne
• Skills matrix for manufacturing and warehouse teams
• Workforce planning for manufacturers and warehouses
• Production managers profile from Jobs and Skills Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a production manager do?

A production manager leads the team and processes that make finished products, and is responsible for output, quality, safety and cost.

What qualifications do you need to be a production manager?

Employers often look for a diploma or degree in engineering, food technology or business, plus experience leading production teams. Many managers progress through experience.

What is OEE?

OEE, or overall equipment effectiveness, measures how well a line performs by combining availability, speed and quality.

What does a production manager do in FMCG?

In FMCG, the production manager runs high-volume lines for packaged goods, keeps hygiene and quality compliance on track and works to reduce downtime and waste.

Plan the Shift, Protect the Standard

Good production managers hold the schedule and the quality standard at the same time. If you are building toward the role, see current openings on the job board or submit your CV.