How to become a manufacturing manager
Official title: Manufacturing managers
Also called: Mill manager, Plant manager, Winery manager, Cannery manager, Foundry manager, Printing manager, Distillery manager, Flour mill manager, Paper mill manager, Steel mill manager, Tire plant manager, Dairy plant manager
Manufacturing managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of a manufacturing establishment or of a production department within a manufacturing establishment, under the direction of a general manager or other senior manager. They are employed by manufacturing companies.
Main tasks
- Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of a manufacturing establishment or the operations or production department of a manufacturing establishment
- Develop and implement plans to efficiently use materials, labour and equipment to meet production targets
- Plan and manage the establishment of departmental budget
- Develop production schedules and maintain an inventory of raw materials and finished products
- Plan and implement changes to machinery and equipment, production systems and methods of work
- Direct quality control inspection system and develop production reporting procedures
- Develop equipment maintenance schedules and recommend the replacement of machines
- Hire, supervise and train or oversee training of employees in the use of new equipment or production techniques
How to become one
Completion of a college or university program in engineering or business administration is usually required. Five to ten years of supervisory experience in manufacturing are required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $102,999 a year The middle half earn $79,697 to $135,935.
- About 110,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 118,000 are projected by 2033. (+7.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a manufacturing manager?
Completion of a college or university program in engineering or business administration is usually required. Five to ten years of supervisory experience in manufacturing are required.
How much does a manufacturing manager earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $102,999 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $79,697 to $135,935.
Is a manufacturing manager a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2033, from about 110,100 to about 118,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a manufacturing manager?
Not always. 35% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03