Manufacturing Director

The manufacturing director oversees manufacturing and production processes. Ultimately responsible for maintaining the efficiency, quality control and safety standards related to manufacturing, these directors are essential in almost every manufacturing industry. Some manufacturing directors work hard to stay on top of technological advances, particularly in the aerospace and electronics industries.

The policies and regulations in a particular manufacturing industry are developed and enforced by the director. One of the most important jobs of the manufacturing director is to establish and manage the production budget. The manufacturing director balances the costs and value of materials, manpower and machinery for the most profitable production within an established quality range. This management professional splits the work day between the office and plant floor.

Responsibilities of the manufacturing director include:

• Establishing policies and regulations related to manufacturing
• Directing overall manufacturing and production procedures
• Insuring that quality and safety standards are followed
• Taking responsibility for efficient operations
• Creating and managing a manufacturing budget
• Overseeing managers and employees
• Working cooperatively with managers and vendors.

Manufacturing Director Degrees

This profession requires both experience and education. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in manufacturing, administration, engineering or management provides a solid foundation for entering this industry. A graduate degree along with experience often proves advantageous when working toward a director’s position. This job field is expected to decline slightly in the next decade and a college degree, as noted by Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), improves a candidate’s opportunities in a competitive job market.

Manufacturing Director Salary*

As of 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages for industrial managers, under which the manufacturing director title falls, were $83,290. Salaries vary based on the type of manufacturing and company size.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics