How to become a Production Manager
Official title: Production Manager (Manufacturing)
Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the production activities of a manufacturing operation including physical, technological and human resources.
Main tasks
- Plans and develops manufacturing production or operational strategies, systems, processes, objectives and policies
- Directs and supervises manufacturing operations by monitoring and coordinating production schedules and resources
- Controls the operation of manufacturing plants or procedures through the planning of maintenance, designation of operating hours, and supply of parts and tools
- Analyses production data on logistics, cost, margins, production lead time and personnel
- Identifies areas for improvement and implements quality control procedures
- Liaises with internal and external stakeholders, and works alongside senior management to establish budgets and targets
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Meat Processing (AMP60122); Diploma of Meat Processing (AMP50221); Diploma of Production Management (MSM50316); Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420); Diploma of Printing and Graphic Arts Business Management (ICP50120); Advanced Diploma of Process Plant Technology (PMA60116); Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (MSM30116); Certificate II in Process Manufacturing (MSM20116)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $119,496 a year
- About 62,200 people work in this job group now, and about 72,700 are projected by 2035. (+16.8%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Production Manager?
Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Meat Processing; Diploma of Meat Processing.
How much does a Production Manager earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $119,496 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Production Manager a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2035, from about 62,200 to about 72,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Production Manager?
Not always. 25% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Meat Processing; Diploma of Meat Processing.
Will AI change the work of a Production Manager?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04