all about plant manager jobs
Plant managers are individuals who organize, maintain and watch over the day-to-day operations of manufacturing plants, factories and similar industrial environments. Plant managers have a variety of responsibilities, though their main role is overseeing employees, ensuring production efficiency, and making sure that the plant runs smoothly, quickly, efficiently, and safely.
what plant manager jobs entail
Plant managers are responsible for overseeing everyday manufacturing and plant operations. If you work in this role, you might oversee an entire plant location, or just a section of the entire operation. You will be responsible for a variety of tasks to ensure that everything in the plant or the area of the plant you oversee is kept in efficient working order. A plant manager may work regular full time hours or may work shifts along with the other employees that they are responsible for managing.
average plant manager salaries
Plant managers in Canada have great earning potential, with 50% of individuals working in this role in Canada earning $88,000 or more per year. The starting salary for a plant manager is around $55,000 per year. After several years of experience on the job, you can potentially see your salary increase up to $135,000 annually.
your day to day tasks
Some of the tasks you will be responsible for and expected to complete in a plant manager job include:
- supervising and coordinating activities in your plant
- interpreting specifications and blue prints
- planning work schedules and assignments
- working with plant supervisors
- ensuring your plant meets production goals
- hiring and training new employees
- ensuring worker and plant safety
- monitoring and repairing plant equipment
where you can work
Plant managers are needed anywhere that factories and manufacturing plants exist in Canada. Plant manager jobs are most needed in provinces with more industry related jobs such as Quebec and Alberta. Plant manager jobs are also commonly found around major cities in suburban areas. If you are interested in a plant manager job, there are likely opportunities available near you, no matter where in Canada you live.
what you bring to the table
As a plant manager, you’ll be in charge of other workers and must be ready to take responsibility for all aspects of your plant, or the sections of the plant that you manage. To become, and be successful in a plant manager job, your skill set should include:
- interpersonal skills
- strong leadership skills
- good problem solving skills
- ability to manage time and meet deadlines
- ability to deal with problems swiftly and carefully
training and certifications
To become a plant manager you’ll generally need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration or a related field. Some plant workers with years of experience can move their way up to the role of plant manager without having obtained a bachelor’s degree if they enroll in management classes. Larger plants may have more requirements such as a master’s degree in engineering or business administration.
If you are hired for a plant manager job, there will often be several weeks or even months of training involved to understand the processes and inner-workings of the company.
where your career is headed
Plant managers have a variety of different opportunities when it comes to moving forward with their careers. Many plant managers, depending on the type and size of the company they work at, can find their way into more senior management roles. If you are a plant manager that is in charge of a specific sector, you may also work your way up into a larger management role where you in charge of more sections and more employees. No matter what you do after, you career as a plant manager will be an extremely lucrative and rewarding one.