Production Manager Resume Examples and How to Write
Securing a Production Manager position in Australia’s dynamic manufacturing and operations sector requires more than just operational knowledge—your resume must demonstrate your ability to optimise production efficiency, lead high-performing teams, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable business results. Whether you’re advancing from a supervisory role, transitioning from engineering, or seeking to manage larger production operations, crafting a compelling resume is essential for capturing the attention of Australian manufacturers, logistics companies, and industrial organisations.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to create a professional Production Manager resume that highlights your operational leadership, process improvement achievements, and team management capabilities. From real resume examples to formatting tips tailored for Australia’s manufacturing sector, you’ll learn how to present your production management credentials in a way that gets hiring managers’ attention on platforms like Seek and industry-specific job boards.
Production Manager Resume (Text Version)
JAMES MITCHELL
Production Manager
Mobile: 0412 345 890 | Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamesmitchell-production | Location: Adelaide, SA
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven Production Manager with 8+ years of experience leading manufacturing operations and managing teams of 50+ employees across food processing and automotive sectors. Proven track record of increasing production efficiency by 35% while reducing operational costs by $2.1M annually through lean manufacturing principles and process optimisation. Expert in quality management systems, workplace safety compliance, and continuous improvement methodologies with strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Production Manager | Australian Food Manufacturing | February 2021 – Present
• Lead production operations for $50M+ food processing facility, managing 65 employees across 3 shifts and multiple production lines
• Increased overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) from 72% to 89% through implementation of predictive maintenance and process optimisation
• Reduced production waste by 28% and improved yield rates by 15% through Six Sigma methodology and continuous improvement initiatives
• Managed annual production budget of $8M, achieving 12% cost reduction while maintaining quality standards and delivery commitments
• Led successful implementation of ISO 22000 food safety management system, achieving certification with zero non-conformances
• Developed and mentored team of 8 supervisors and team leaders, improving employee retention by 25%
• Coordinated with supply chain, quality assurance, and maintenance teams to ensure seamless production flow and customer satisfaction
Assistant Production Manager | MetalWorks Australia | March 2019 – February 2021
• Supervised production operations for automotive component manufacturing, overseeing 40+ employees and 4 production cells
• Implemented lean manufacturing principles resulting in 20% reduction in cycle time and 18% improvement in throughput
• Achieved 99.5% on-time delivery rate through improved production planning and resource allocation
• Led cross-functional teams in root cause analysis and corrective action implementation, reducing defect rates by 30%
• Managed inventory levels and material flow, reducing work-in-progress by 35% and improving cash flow
• Conducted safety training and workplace risk assessments, maintaining zero lost-time incidents for 24 months
Production Supervisor | Industrial Solutions Group | June 2017 – March 2019
• Supervised daily production activities for packaging operations, managing team of 25 operators and technicians
• Exceeded production targets by average of 8% through effective workforce planning and performance management
• Implemented 5S workplace organisation methodology, improving productivity by 12% and reducing workplace accidents by 40%
• Collaborated with engineering team on equipment upgrades and process improvements
• Maintained detailed production records and KPI reporting for senior management review
Production Coordinator | Regional Manufacturing Co. | January 2016 – June 2017
• Coordinated production schedules and resource allocation for multi-product manufacturing facility
• Supported production planning and inventory management processes
• Assisted in quality control procedures and compliance documentation
• Contributed to cross-training programs and employee development initiatives
• Participated in continuous improvement projects and change management activities
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Engineering (Manufacturing & Mechanical) | University of South Australia | 2015
Specialisation: Production Systems and Industrial Management
Final Project: “Lean Manufacturing Implementation in SME Food Processing”
Graduate Certificate in Business Management | UniSA Business School | 2018
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
• Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) – APICS
• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
• Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification
• Forklift Operator Licence and Training Certification
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES): SAP, Oracle Manufacturing, Wonderware
• Quality Management: ISO 9001, ISO 22000, SPC, HACCP
• Lean Manufacturing: 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban
• Production Planning: MRP, ERP systems, capacity planning
• Safety Management: Risk assessment, incident investigation, regulatory compliance
• Data Analysis: Excel, Power BI, Minitab, statistical process control
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT SKILLS
• Team leadership and development (up to 65 direct reports)
• Change management and process improvement
• Budget management and cost control
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement
• Performance management and employee coaching
• Crisis management and problem-solving under pressure
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Production Efficiency: Improved OEE by 17 percentage points across managed facilities
• Cost Reduction: Delivered $2.1M in annual operational savings through process improvements
• Safety Performance: Maintained excellent safety record with 95% reduction in workplace incidents
• Team Development: Successfully promoted 12 team members to supervisory and management roles
What is The Best Format for a Production Manager Resume?
The reverse chronological format works best for Production Manager resumes as it clearly demonstrates your career progression through increasingly senior operational roles and showcases your developing expertise in production systems, team leadership, and process improvement. This format allows Australian employers to quickly assess your most recent management experience and see how your operational capabilities and business impact have evolved through various manufacturing environments.
For optimal presentation, use a professional font like Arial or Calibri in 11-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headings. Maintain 1-inch margins with adequate white space to ensure readability. Always save your resume as a PDF unless the employer specifically requests another format, as PDFs preserve formatting across different manufacturing and HR systems while maintaining professional appearance.
Your Production Manager resume should include these essential sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional title, phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile, and city/state. Consider highlighting key certifications like CPIM or Six Sigma if space permits.
Professional Summary: A 3-4 line overview highlighting your production management experience, team size managed, operational achievements, and key methodologies that demonstrate your ability to drive manufacturing excellence and business results.
Work Experience: List your roles in reverse chronological order, emphasising production metrics, cost savings, team leadership, and process improvements that showcase your ability to optimise operations and deliver measurable business outcomes.
Education: Include relevant qualifications in engineering, business management, or operations. Highlight specialised coursework or projects that demonstrate your technical foundation and management capabilities.
Other Sections: Consider adding professional certifications, technical competencies, leadership skills, or key achievements sections to strengthen your operational management profile.
What Experience Should Be on Your Production Manager Resume?
Your Production Manager resume should emphasise operational excellence, team leadership achievements, and measurable business impact that demonstrate your ability to optimise production systems while managing complex manufacturing operations safely and efficiently. Focus on specific examples of process improvements, cost reductions, productivity gains, and team development that showcase your capability to drive continuous improvement and deliver consistent results in dynamic production environments.
Highlight experience across different manufacturing sectors, production technologies, and operational challenges to demonstrate versatility and expertise. Include examples of budget management, cross-functional collaboration, regulatory compliance, and change management that show your comprehensive approach to production leadership. Don’t forget to mention safety achievements, quality improvements, and employee development initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to sustainable operational excellence and organisational growth.
Correct Example:
Production Manager | Advanced Manufacturing Solutions | 2020 – Present
• Manage production operations for $75M aerospace components facility, leading 80+ employees across engineering and production teams
• Achieved 25% improvement in on-time delivery through implementation of advanced production planning and scheduling systems
• Reduced manufacturing costs by $1.8M annually through lean manufacturing initiatives and waste elimination programs
• Led successful AS9100 aerospace quality certification, ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards and customer requirements
Wrong Example:
Production Manager | Advanced Manufacturing Solutions | 2020 – Present
• Managed production operations and supervised staff
• Worked on improving production processes
• Met production targets and deadlines
• Ensured quality standards were maintained
Entry-Level Production Manager Resume Samples (Experience)
For entry-level Production Manager positions (typically promoted from supervisory roles), focus on leadership experience, process improvement contributions, operational achievements, and increasing responsibilities that demonstrate your readiness for management accountability. Highlight specific team accomplishments, cost savings, and improvement initiatives you’ve led or significantly contributed to.
Correct Example:
Production Supervisor | Brisbane Manufacturing Group | 2021 – Present
• Lead production team of 30+ operators across 2 shifts, achieving 15% improvement in productivity through workforce optimisation
• Implemented continuous improvement initiatives reducing scrap rates by 22% and saving $450K annually
• Managed daily production scheduling and resource allocation, consistently exceeding monthly targets by 12%
• Developed and delivered training programs improving operator skill levels and reducing turnover by 35%
• Acting Production Manager during leave periods, demonstrating readiness for senior management responsibilities
Wrong Example:
Production Supervisor | Brisbane Manufacturing Group | 2021 – Present
• Supervised production workers and operations
• Helped improve some production processes
• Made sure production targets were met
• Covered for manager when needed
How to Write the Education Section for Your Production Manager Resume
Education is important for Production Manager resumes as it demonstrates your technical foundation, analytical capabilities, and management knowledge required for senior operational roles. Australian employers value relevant qualifications that combine engineering or technical expertise with business and management understanding. Include degrees in engineering, operations management, business, or related fields, along with specialised training or certifications that enhance your production management capabilities and demonstrate commitment to professional development.
Production Manager Resume Example (Education)
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial & Manufacturing) | Queensland University of Technology | 2019
Specialisation: Operations Research and Supply Chain Management
Final Project: “Optimising Production Flow in Automotive Manufacturing” – High Distinction
Relevant Coursework: Lean Manufacturing, Quality Control, Operations Management
Graduate Diploma of Management | Australian Institute of Management | 2022
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Advanced Lean Six Sigma Training – Australian Organisation for Quality 2023
• Production Planning and Inventory Control – APICS 2022
• Leadership in Manufacturing Excellence – Swinburne University 2021
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Production Manager Resume
The skills section is crucial for Production Manager resumes as it demonstrates your operational expertise and leadership capabilities to potential employers. Include 18-22 relevant skills that encompass technical knowledge, management methodologies, systems proficiency, and leadership competencies. Focus on current manufacturing technologies, improvement methodologies, and management approaches that show your ability to drive operational excellence while leading high-performing teams in complex production environments.
Production Manager Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Six Sigma and statistical process control
• Production planning and scheduling systems
• Quality management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001)
• Manufacturing execution systems (MES) and ERP platforms
• Predictive maintenance and TPM implementation
• Capacity planning and resource optimisation
• Budget management and cost accounting
• Supply chain coordination and inventory management
• Workplace health and safety compliance
• Root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques
• Performance metrics and KPI development
• Automation and process control systems
• Regulatory compliance and audit management
• Data analysis and reporting tools
Production Manager Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Strategic leadership and team management
• Change management and organisational development
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement
• Communication and presentation skills
• Decision-making under pressure
• Conflict resolution and negotiation
• Employee coaching and development
• Crisis management and contingency planning
• Analytical thinking and continuous learning
• Cultural awareness and inclusive leadership
How to Pick the Best Production Manager Skills:
1. Review the specific job advertisement and match your skills to the manufacturing processes, systems, and methodologies mentioned
2. Research the company’s industry sector and operational challenges to understand their technical and management requirements
3. Include a balance of technical skills (50%), management capabilities (30%), and leadership abilities (20%)
4. Prioritise skills you can demonstrate through specific operational achievements or improvement results
5. Focus on current manufacturing technologies and methodologies rather than outdated approaches
6. Include skills that show strategic thinking and ability to drive business results beyond operational metrics
Production Manager Resume Examples (Skills)
OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERTISE
• Lean Manufacturing Implementation: Led plant-wide lean transformation achieving 30% productivity improvement and $2.5M cost reduction
• Team Development: Built high-performing production teams of 60+ employees, improving retention by 40% and promoting 15 internal candidates
• Quality Excellence: Implemented Six Sigma methodology reducing defect rates by 45% and improving customer satisfaction scores to 98%
• Safety Leadership: Established comprehensive safety culture reducing workplace incidents by 80% and achieving industry-leading performance
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Production Manager Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your Production Manager resume by demonstrating professional development, industry expertise, and leadership contributions that showcase your commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement. Consider including professional memberships, industry certifications, speaking engagements, or project leadership that highlights your standing within the manufacturing community and your ability to drive organisational success.
Valuable bonus sections for Production Managers include professional certifications and memberships, which demonstrate commitment to industry best practices and continuous learning. Awards and recognition validate your operational achievements and peer acknowledgment. Training and development activities show your investment in team capability building. Project leadership beyond your core role can demonstrate strategic thinking and change management capabilities.
Production Manager Resume Examples (Other Sections)
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Manufacturing Excellence Award | Australian Industry Group | 2023
Recognised for outstanding leadership in operational improvement and employee development
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
• Member, Australian Institute of Management (AIM)
• Member, Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA)
• Certified Member, Australian Organisation for Quality (AOQ)
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP
Lean Manufacturing Trainer | Internal Training Program | 2022 – Present
• Developed and delivered lean manufacturing training to 200+ employees across 3 facilities
• Created standardised training materials adopted company-wide
• Achieved 95% training completion rate and measurable skill improvement
INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
Guest Speaker | Manufacturing Leaders Forum | 2023
Presentation: “Building Resilient Production Systems in Uncertain Times”
Advisory Committee Member | TAFE SA Manufacturing Programs | 2021 – Present
Wrong Example:
INTERESTS
• Following manufacturing industry news
• Attending trade shows and exhibitions
• Reading about new production technologies
• Networking with industry professionals
Tip: Include sections that demonstrate your industry leadership and professional development, such as relevant certifications, association memberships, speaking engagements, or training delivery that showcase your expertise and commitment to advancing manufacturing excellence beyond your direct responsibilities.
How to Write a Production Manager Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary is essential for Production Manager resumes as it immediately communicates your operational leadership capabilities, manufacturing expertise, and measurable business impact to hiring managers. Your summary should highlight your management experience, team sizes led, operational achievements, and key methodologies in 3-4 concise lines.
Focus on specific metrics that demonstrate your impact on productivity, quality, cost reduction, and safety performance. Include your years of experience, industries served, and any specialised knowledge or certifications that differentiate you from other candidates. Avoid generic management statements and instead emphasise concrete achievements that show your ability to optimise production operations while building high-performing teams and driving sustainable business results.
Production Manager Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Results-oriented Production Manager with 10+ years of experience leading manufacturing operations across automotive and electronics sectors, managing teams of 75+ employees and annual budgets of $12M+. Proven track record of improving operational efficiency by 40% through lean manufacturing implementation while reducing costs by $3.2M annually. Expert in Six Sigma methodologies, quality systems, and safety management with demonstrated success in building high-performing teams and driving continuous improvement culture.
Wrong Example:
Experienced Production Manager with background in manufacturing operations and team leadership. I have managed production facilities and worked to improve processes and efficiency. I have good problem-solving skills and experience with quality systems. I’m looking for a challenging role where I can continue to grow my management career.
For aspiring or newly promoted Production Managers, focus on supervisory experience, process improvement contributions, operational achievements, and leadership potential demonstrated through increasing responsibilities and team development activities.
Entry-Level Production Manager Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Accomplished Production Supervisor with 6+ years of experience leading manufacturing teams of 35+ employees and driving operational improvements in fast-paced production environments. Achieved 22% productivity improvement through lean implementation and reduced quality defects by 30% through systematic process improvements. Strong foundation in manufacturing systems, team development, and continuous improvement with Engineering degree and Six Sigma certification ready for Production Manager advancement.
Wrong Example:
Production professional seeking to advance into a Production Manager role. I have experience supervising production teams and have worked on improving processes. I’m motivated to take on more responsibility and continue developing my management skills in a manufacturing environment.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Production Manager Resume
Maintaining alignment between your resume and LinkedIn profile is crucial in Australia’s manufacturing sector, where 72% of industry recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn to evaluate Production Manager candidates. When updating your resume, ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects the same operational achievements, team leadership successes, and process improvement results to create a consistent narrative that demonstrates your capability to drive manufacturing excellence and deliver business results.
LinkedIn’s format allows for more detailed discussions of your management philosophy, operational strategies, and team development approaches than your resume. Use this opportunity to expand on complex improvement projects you’ve led, cross-functional collaborations you’ve facilitated, and the leadership principles that guide your approach to building high-performing production teams and sustainable operational systems.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Production Managers
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Production Manager | Lean Six Sigma Expert | Leading High-Performance Teams | Driving 30%+ Efficiency Gains”
• “Manufacturing Operations Leader | Process Improvement Specialist | Team Builder | CPIM Certified”
• “Senior Production Manager | Automotive Industry Expert | Safety Champion | Available for Adelaide Opportunities”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Production Manager at Manufacturing Company”
• “Operations Professional with Management Experience”
• “Manufacturing Manager Looking for New Opportunities”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary should adopt a more leadership-focused and strategic approach while maintaining operational credibility, allowing you to discuss your management journey, operational philosophy, and vision for manufacturing excellence. Unlike your resume summary’s metrics-focused format, LinkedIn summaries can be 4-6 paragraphs, enabling you to share your approach to team building, continuous improvement, and creating sustainable operational systems that deliver long-term business value.
Include Australian manufacturing context such as experience with local regulatory requirements, understanding of Australian workplace safety standards, or expertise in serving local and export markets. This localisation demonstrates your knowledge of the Australian manufacturing landscape and your ability to operate effectively within local business and regulatory environments.
Showcasing Production Manager Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows you to expand your resume achievements into comprehensive operational stories that detail your leadership approach, improvement methodology, and team development strategies. Include specific examples of complex manufacturing challenges you’ve solved, transformational projects you’ve led, and the systematic approaches you use to build operational excellence and sustainable business results.
Utilise LinkedIn’s media upload feature to share operational improvement case studies, team achievement celebrations, or professional development certificates that provide evidence of your leadership effectiveness and commitment to continuous improvement. Visual content helps potential employers assess your operational impact and team building capabilities while demonstrating your commitment to professional development.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Production Managers
Prioritise LinkedIn skills that align with current Australian manufacturing demands, focusing on high-value competencies like lean manufacturing, team leadership, process improvement, and operational excellence. Actively seek endorsements from team members, colleagues, suppliers, and senior leaders who can validate your management effectiveness and operational expertise.
Consider highlighting skills that demonstrate your strategic value, such as change management, budget management, cross-functional leadership, and business development support. These competencies are increasingly important as Production Manager roles become more strategic and require leaders who can contribute to broader organisational success beyond operational metrics.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Production Managers
Optimise your LinkedIn profile for Australian manufacturing employers by including location-specific keywords and demonstrating understanding of local manufacturing challenges and opportunities. Engage with Australian manufacturing groups, follow industry associations like the Australian Industry Group, and participate in operational excellence discussions to build your professional network and establish thought leadership within the manufacturing community.
Regularly share insights about manufacturing best practices, celebrate team achievements, and comment on industry developments affecting Australian manufacturing. This active engagement demonstrates your commitment to operational excellence and helps establish your expertise within the Australian manufacturing community while building relationships with potential employers, suppliers, and industry partners.
Creating an effective Production Manager resume requires balancing operational expertise with leadership achievements and measurable business impact. By following this guide’s formatting recommendations, incorporating relevant Australian manufacturing expectations, and highlighting your process improvement capabilities and team development accomplishments, you’ll be well-positioned to capture the attention of manufacturing employers and industry recruiters.
Remember that your resume works in conjunction with your professional reputation to present your complete operational leadership story. Consider developing a compelling cover letter that expands on your management philosophy and specific interest in the target organisation’s operational challenges. Additionally, stay informed about current manufacturing opportunities and industry trends by regularly reviewing positions on manufacturing job boards and connecting with Australian operations and manufacturing recruitment specialists.
For additional professional development and networking opportunities, consider engaging with manufacturing organisations such as the Australian Industry Group or APICS Australia that can provide valuable insights into the Australian manufacturing landscape and emerging trends in production management, operational excellence, and manufacturing leadership.
