What is a production planning manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

Production planning managers are in charge of developing production plans in adherence to the company's budget and deadlines. They identify the production needs and set objectives and guidelines that would push their employees into achieving a smooth and efficient workflow.

Most graduates begin their career as a trainee or in a junior post, such as a production supervisor, material planner, or inventory control. With appropriate experience, they may gain responsibility for several sites, possibly including production planning hubs overseas.

It is possible to enter this profession with a degree or higher national diploma (HND) in any subject. However, depending on the industry, some employers may require a sector-specific discipline, such as business management, electrical, electronic, mechanical, process or production engineering, materials science, or biochemistry. However, for more junior roles, it is possible to enter the profession without a degree or HND. However, career progression may be limited.

ScoreProduction Planning ManagerUS Average
Salary
6.9

Avg. Salary $88,015

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.8

Growth Rate -3%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.53%

Asian 6.96%

Black or African American 10.06%

Hispanic or Latino 16.63%

Unknown 4.93%

White 60.89%

Gender

female 24.18%

male 75.82%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress Level
7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
5.3

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
3.9

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Production Planning Manager career paths

Key steps to become a production planning manager

  1. Explore production planning manager education requirements

    Most common production planning manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.6 %

    Master's

    12.7 %

    Associate

    12.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific production planning manager skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    MRP8.30%
    Continuous Improvement6.64%
    ERP6.15%
    Logistics6.10%
    Inventory Control5.24%
  3. Complete relevant production planning manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New production planning managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a production planning manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real production planning manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional production planning manager certifications

    Production planning manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific production planning manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for production planning managers include Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research production planning manager duties and responsibilities

    • Conduct a periodic audit of production WIP and ensure set targets are achieve.
    • Lead project team that own the supply chain implementation / transition from legacy ERP system to BPCS.
    • Manage and reduce inventory by deploying Kanban, consign and vendor-manage inventory.
    • Create and maintain ISO procedures.
  6. Prepare your production planning manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your production planning manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a production planning manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Production Planning Manager Resume templates

    Build a professional Production Planning Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Production Planning Manager resume.
    Production Planning Manager Resume
    Production Planning Manager Resume
    Production Planning Manager Resume
    Production Planning Manager Resume
    Production Planning Manager Resume
    Production Planning Manager Resume
    Production Planning Manager Resume
    Production Planning Manager Resume
    Production Planning Manager Resume
  7. Apply for production planning manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a production planning manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Production Planning Manager Job

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Average production planning manager salary

The average Production Planning Manager salary in the United States is $88,015 per year or $42 per hour. Production planning manager salaries range between $63,000 and $121,000 per year.

Average Production Planning Manager Salary
$88,015 Yearly
$42.31 hourly

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How do production planning managers rate their job?

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Production Planning Manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022
Pros

Being able to create a work environment where people flourish, come together, build good relationships form positive teamwork, watching work flow smoothly, reaching or exceeding goals, and be accountable. 2. An opportunity to learn shop floor activities technically and also to develop managerial skills.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

its a challenging work. you need lot of potential to be materials manager.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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