What Does a Production Manager Do? Career Pathways and Jobs in Australia

Production Manager Jobs in Australia: Lead People, Process, and Performance

Production Managers play a critical role in Australia’s manufacturing industry — leading teams, streamlining processes, and ensuring products are delivered on time, safely, and to the highest quality standards.

Whether overseeing a food production line or a large-scale engineering facility, these leaders combine technical expertise with strong people management skills to keep operations running smoothly.

At Fuse Recruitment, we connect Production Managers and emerging manufacturing leaders with some of Australia’s top employers. Our clients span industries including food manufacturing, FMCG, packaging, and industrial production — sectors where efficiency and leadership make the difference between meeting output targets and exceeding them.

What Does a Production Manager Do?

A Production Manager is responsible for coordinating all aspects of manufacturing or processing operations. They manage people, plan resources, and ensure production targets are met while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Supervising production teams and setting daily/weekly output targets
• Monitoring manufacturing performance and improving efficiency
• Overseeing maintenance schedules and quality control systems
• Managing workflow, inventory, and raw material usage
• Implementing Lean, 5S, or continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensuring WHS compliance and staff safety training
• Reporting on performance, budgets, and process outcomes
• Liaising with procurement, logistics, and engineering teams

A strong Production Manager blends people leadership with technical understanding, acting as the bridge between senior management and frontline operations.

Key Skills and Attributes

Successful Production Managers have a balance of operational insight, leadership confidence, and analytical thinking.

Core skills include:

• Leadership & communication: motivating and managing teams effectively
• Technical knowledge: understanding production machinery, systems, and workflows
• Planning & organisation: coordinating schedules and resources to meet deadlines
• Quality management: ensuring standards are met through audits and process control
• Problem-solving: addressing issues quickly to minimise downtime
• Safety focus: strong knowledge of WHS practices and compliance requirements
• Continuous improvement mindset: experience with Lean or Six Sigma methodologies

Qualifications: While many Production Managers advance through hands-on experience, tertiary qualifications such as a Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business Management are highly regarded. Supervisory or leadership training (e.g. Cert IV in Leadership & Management) can also strengthen career progression.

Career Pathways and Progression

Production management is an excellent stepping stone into broader operational or executive leadership. Many professionals begin as Team Leaders, Shift Supervisors, or Maintenance Coordinators before advancing into production management roles.

With further experience, Production Managers often progress into positions such as:

• Operations Manager
• Plant Manager
• Continuous Improvement Manager
• Manufacturing Director
• General Manager – Operations

In Australia’s evolving manufacturing landscape, demand is rising for leaders who can guide automation, workforce planning, and sustainability initiatives — making this a stable and rewarding career path.

Average Production Manager Salaries in Australia

The average salary for a Production Manager in Australia typically ranges between $105,000 and $135,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and plant size.

Salaries tend to be highest in industries such as pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and industrial manufacturing, where compliance and efficiency demands are greater.

Employment Insights: Australia’s Manufacturing Leadership Landscape

The manufacturing and operations workforce employs more than 900,000 Australians, contributing over $115 billion annually to the national economy.

While automation and robotics are changing how production works, the role of the Production Manager remains vital. Employers nationwide continue to face skill shortages in manufacturing leadership, particularly in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, where most production hubs are located.

Recent workforce trends show:

• Manufacturing salaries have grown steadily year-on-year
• Demand for leadership roles is increasing, reflecting investment in local production capacity
• Employers value expertise in Lean manufacturing and digital production systems

As Australian businesses reshore production and expand automation, experienced Production Managers are essential to maintaining workforce stability and output quality.

Industries and Clients We Work With

Fuse Recruitment partners with clients across a wide range of manufacturing sectors, including:

• FMCG (Food, Beverage, and Packaging)
• Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences
• Engineering and Industrial Manufacturing
• Renewable Energy and Utilities
• Construction Products and Materials

We work closely with employers who value safety, innovation, and efficiency — and with candidates seeking career progression in stable, growth-oriented environments.

Explore current Manufacturing & Operations jobs or contact our specialist recruiters to discuss your next role.

Candidate Journeys

From Shift Supervisor to Production Manager
After excelling in a supervisory role at a Melbourne-based FMCG manufacturer, Emma partnered with Fuse Recruitment to secure a Production Manager position leading a team of 60. Within her first year, she introduced Lean workflows that reduced downtime by 12%.

Regional Career Growth
Fuse assisted a candidate in relocating from Adelaide to a regional NSW manufacturing site, providing guidance throughout the process. Their leadership led to a 20% improvement in productivity and new process documentation that’s now standard across multiple plants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Production Manager?
   Most Production Managers have qualifications in engineering, manufacturing, or business management, along with several years’ experience in production or operations supervision.
2. Are Production Manager roles in demand in Australia?
   Yes. Skill shortages persist in manufacturing leadership, especially across FMCG, packaging, and industrial production sectors.

3. What industries employ Production Managers?
   Manufacturing, food production, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and heavy industry all rely on Production Managers to maintain safe and efficient operations.

4. What skills help a Production Manager advance?
   Strong leadership, process improvement experience, and understanding of Lean manufacturing principles are key.

5. How can Fuse Recruitment help me find a Production Manager job?
   Fuse connects skilled manufacturing leaders with employers nationwide, offering access to roles in food, packaging, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Why Work with Fuse Recruitment

Fuse Recruitment is a trusted partner for Australia’s manufacturing and operations industry.

We understand what drives great performance — people, safety, and process.

Whether you’re an experienced Production Manager or an emerging leader, our team can help you find your next opportunity and achieve long-term career success.

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