Once in their job, industrial production managers must stay abreast of new production technologies and management practices. Although certification in production management and inventory control is not required for most positions, it demonstrates an individual's knowledge of the production process and related areas. Various certifications are available through the American Production and Inventory Control Society. Industrial production managers with a proven record of superior performance may advance to plant manager or vice president for manufacturing. Others transfer to jobs at larger firms with more responsibilities.
Opportunities also exist as consultants.
Job Outlook Employment of industrial production managers is expected to decline slightly through the year 2005. Although manufacturing output is expected to rise significantly, the trend towards smaller management staffs and the lack of growth in production worker employment will limit demand for production managers. The widening use of computers for scheduling and planning is also making production managers more productive, allowing fewer of them to accomplish the same amount of work. Nevertheless, some openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Many of these openings, however, may be filled through internal promotions.