A manufacturing manager coordinates the use of workers and machines in the production process. Dividing his time between the office and the production area of the company, the manufacturing manager ensures that all workers and departments meet the productivity and efficiency standards of the organization. According to the Department of Labor, employment of manufacturing managers will decline moderately by 8 percent during the decade ending in 2018.

Supervision of Workers

A manufacturing manager monitors all aspects of the production process. He ensures that all personnel and resources have been properly allocated. She interacts daily with a wide range of employees such as laborers, tradespeople, engineers, truck drivers and office staff. On a typical day, he may meet with factory workers to explain necessary shift changes, discuss equipment upgrades with engineers and go over expenditures with accountants. Some managers oversee entire plants, while others will manage just one area, such as quality control or plant maintenance.

Quality Control

A manufacturing manager implements quality control programs that ensure the finished product meets a certain standard. She keeps up-to-date with the latest management techniques and programs: ISO 9000, Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma. Once he identifies a problem, the manufacturing manager decides on an appropriate course of action. A manager might implement a new training program, reorganize the manufacturing process or order higher-quality parts and materials from the supplier.

Process Improvement

A manufacturing manager studies and analyzes the production processes of the company and others within the industry. She implements any changes that could improve the efficiency and/or productivity of the organization and might rearrange worker schedules, move machines and raw materials closer to the production line or find alternate delivery methods.

Administration

A manufacturing manager understands the output capabilities of the company and keeps up-to-date with the costs of labor, equipment and raw materials. He has well-developed communication skills and works effectively with other managers in the organization. The manager works with the financial department to establish production goals and budgets and provides the human resources department with input regarding additional hiring, layoffs and training programs. She meets regularly with the sales manager to discuss client needs and concerns and coordinates the production schedule with that of the logistics department to ensure efficient delivery of goods.