A production line is a set of sequential processes where materials undergo refining until the final product is complete. Production line leaders, also known as production team leaders, work in the manufacturing industry where they oversee a variety of manufacturing activities with a focus on meeting production targets.

Doing the Work

Although the specific function of production line leaders can vary with workplaces, they commonly discharge administrative duties. For example, at the beginning of a production cycle, production line leaders provide the workers with work orders or schedules. When there are new workers or production methods, the leader conducts on-the-job training to boost their skills. Production line leaders also ensure production processes meet quality standards and comply with relevant regulations, compile reports detailing production progress and conduct workplace inspections to ensure it meets occupation safety standards.

Getting There

Production line leaders commonly hold a bachelor’s degree in fields such as industrial engineering or business administration. Because employers prefer experienced leaders, production line leaders often begin as entry-level workers and work their way up the career ladder. Possessing superior communication, leadership, supervising and leadership skills is also key to landing this job. Production line leaders can advance their careers into senior management positions, such as industrial production manager, by gaining vast job experience and pursing master's degrees in business administration or industrial production. The mean annual wage for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers was $58,150 in 2013, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.