Hunter Campbell’s Mastering Supply Chain Series profiles roles within the Supply Chain job family including jobs in demand, salaries, and employment prospects.
In this article, the role of Production Manager is in the spotlight.
Purpose of the Role
Production Managers are at the core of any manufacturing operation, tasked with planning, coordinating, and controlling production to ensure finished goods are made efficiently and within budget. They are constantly balancing productivity—measured by output per unit of input—and throughput, which assesses how quickly raw materials are transformed into finished goods and sold. While productivity emphasises quantity produced, throughput focuses on process effectiveness, both of which are essential to a Production Manager’s role.
In essence, a Production Manager ensures the smooth operation of both people and machines, impacting key stakeholders across engineering, quality, health and safety, sales, marketing, planning, and logistics. This role requires not only technical knowledge of equipment and processes but also strong leadership to motivate teams and drive performance.
While automation is gaining traction in manufacturing, managing the human element remains vital. For widespread automation to become mainstream across industries in New Zealand, affordability remains a barrier, making the blend of human and technological management skills essential for Production Managers in the near term.
Recruitment Forecast 2025
The quality of Production Managers in New Zealand is high, though the talent pool remains limited. New Zealand’s hands-on, DIY culture aligns well with the practical demands of this role, particularly in primary industries across the regions. With a tight labour market, we anticipate strong growth in recruitment for Production Managers over the next 3–5 years, driven by the ongoing demand for skilled leaders who can enhance operational efficiency. This trend is expected to gain further momentum as the economy shows positive signs, making it an opportune time for companies to secure top talent in this field.
Career Prospects
High-performing Production Managers are highly sought after, as they play a crucial role in driving the success of any manufacturing operation. A skilled Production Manager can be the difference-maker, managing a diverse set of stakeholders and working closely with engineering, quality, health and safety, sales, marketing, planning, and logistics teams. This cross-functional engagement makes each day varied and fulfilling, offering a dynamic career path within manufacturing. For those looking to advance, the next step is often a Site Manager role, overseeing multiple production processes. As manufacturing environments become more complex, progressing in this field requires transitioning from handson production management to strategic leadership. This involves leading large teams, establishing succession plans for critical staff, taking on financial responsibilities— including budgeting, resource allocation, and managing the site’s P&L—and potentially joining the senior leadership team.
Qualifications
Production Management offers a unique career path with varied entry points. Some professionals start in hands-on production roles, gaining valuable on-the-job training. For those with a tertiary qualification, relevant fields of study often include:
- Engineering or Manufacturing Technology
- Food Technology
- Purchasing and Materials Management
- Supply Chain Management or Logistics
Many candidates begin with practical experience and later add a tertiary qualification as they progress into more complex roles. Another common route is through a trade background—one recent placement, for example, began as a mechanic and went on to lead one of the largest manufacturing sites in the country for nearly a decade. This flexibility is a key advantage in production management; with a commitment to learning and upskilling, the opportunities for growth are virtually limitless.
Key Skills Required
Production Managers must oversee every aspect of the production process they are responsible for. In highly automated environments, they need strong technical expertise, while in more manual settings, both technical and managerial skills are essential. Many Production Managers begin on the shop floor, giving them a deep, firsthand understanding of operations. As one recently placed Production Manager shared, “I don’t expect anyone to do anything I haven’t done myself. My experience across every role in the process adds credibility and helps me gain buy-in from the team.”
The following skills are key to succeeding as a Production Manager:
- Technical knowledge of various production processes (batch, job, flow) and methodologies (e.g., Lean, Kanban, Just in Time)
- Strong technical problem-solving skills related to processes and equipment (many Production Managers hold an engineering qualification, whether tertiary or trade-based)
- High level of organisational skills
- Project management expertise
- Effective communication and leadership abilities
- Problem-solving capability, both individually and in team settings
These skills equip Production Managers to drive efficiency, lead teams effectively, and adapt to the unique demands of each production environment.
Salary Guide
This information is anecdotal, reflecting base salaries for roles currently or previously recruited by Hunter Campbell. It excludes any additional bonuses or benefits. Previously, salaries experienced a period of rapid growth but have now reached a more stable state. Over recent years, candidates often held significant leverage in salary negotiations; however, the balance of power has now evened out, resulting in a more equitable negotiation.
- Junior (stand-alone production line): $80,000 – $100,000
- Intermediate (run a team, look after equipment, optimise production): $100,000 – $120,000
- Senior (looking after multiple lines and shifts): $120,000 – $150,000
These salaries will vary depending on the industry, company size and levels of responsibility.
If you would like to find out more about the role of a Production Manager, please contact Senior Consultant John Boyle. John specialises in specialises the recruitment of Operations and Engineering. For more news and views, visit our website by clicking here, see what opportunities we have available here or follow us on LinkedIn.
