In order for a company to be successful and continually ship out products to satisfy customers, production goals and budgetary goals must be met. Companies hire production superintendents to ensure these goals are accomplished. This is a managerial role that not only involves supervisory work such as training and directing employees, but also has more specific functions.

Function

The production superintendent has responsibility over the production of products sold by a particular company, according to Job Genie. This superintendent must be aware of technological advances that can benefit the production facility and must make sure that these advances are integrated. He also makes sure that the production facility meets all quality control standards. He implements cost controls and ensures that the production facility is staying within budget. The production superintendent is also responsible for making sure that the production facility meets all safety standards, according to Smurfit-Stone. He is also responsible for making sure that all production is on time, and fulfills various other duties when requested.

Conditions

Production superintendents spend some time in an office environment, where they plan production goals and communicate with outside parties. They also spend some time in the production facility, where they can be exposed to the same dangerous conditions that the other workers are exposed to, though proper safety precautions can keep them safe. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, one third of industrial production managers, such as production superintendents, worked 50 hours or more.

Skills

Industrial production managers, such as production superintendents, usually have a bachelor’s degree in a management field, like business administration. Production superintendents must have great interpersonal skills, since they are expected to build good relationships with not only the employees but also the unions protecting the employees, according to Smurfit-Stone. These managers often need to be proficient in technology, organization and planning. They must also have problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

Prospects

Between 2008 and 2018, the need for industrial production managers is expected to decline by eight percent, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While production superintendents will have their jobs somewhat automated by technological advances, they will not lose as much work as manufacturing workers will.

Salary

The median earnings for production superintendents in 2008 were $83,290, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10 percent earned more than $140,530, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,330.