Production

Production Administrator job description

A Production Administrator optimizes manufacturing workflows, manages ERP data, and tracks KPIs to drive plant efficiency. Discover what this role entails today.

Published March 8, 2025Updated May 17, 20264203 likes

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Job brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented Production Administrator to join our manufacturing facility and serve as the heartbeat of our daily operations. You will take ownership of our production scheduling, maintain accurate inventory records, and collaborate with department heads to resolve process disruptions in real time. This is an exciting opportunity to influence our continuous improvement efforts and play a vital role in our transition to more efficient, data-driven manufacturing processes. If you are passionate about process optimization and excel in fast-paced industrial environments, we would love to have you on our team.

Key highlights

Manage daily production scheduling and workforce allocation to ensure all manufacturing milestones are met within established lead times.
Maintain accurate inventory levels and raw material consumption data within our ERP software to prevent stockouts and production delays.
Analyze manufacturing KPIs, such as OEE and yield rates, to identify performance trends and suggest actionable process improvements.
Facilitate the implementation of lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives to reduce waste and optimize factory floor workspace utilization.

What is a Production Administrator?

A Production Administrator is a critical operational professional who bridges the gap between floor-level manufacturing activities and high-level business strategy. By managing complex production schedules, tracking inventory levels via ERP systems, and ensuring strict adherence to SOPs, a Production Administrator keeps the manufacturing floor running at peak capacity. Their expertise in interpreting performance data allows them to identify bottlenecks and support lean manufacturing initiatives that directly impact overall site profitability and product consistency.

What does a Production Administrator do?

A Production Administrator manages the daily flow of manufacturing data, from inputting raw material requisitions into ERP platforms like SAP or NetSuite to generating real-time production throughput reports. Throughout the shift, they monitor KPIs, coordinate with floor supervisors to address staffing or equipment downtime, and audit compliance documentation to meet ISO or FDA quality standards. By acting as the central communication hub between maintenance, supply chain, and production teams, they ensure that operational targets are met without compromising safety or quality protocols.

Key responsibilities

Manage daily production scheduling and workforce allocation to ensure all manufacturing milestones are met within established lead times.
Maintain accurate inventory levels and raw material consumption data within our ERP software to prevent stockouts and production delays.
Analyze manufacturing KPIs, such as OEE and yield rates, to identify performance trends and suggest actionable process improvements.
Coordinate cross-functional communication between maintenance, quality assurance, and procurement teams to swiftly resolve equipment or supply chain bottlenecks.
Draft comprehensive operational documentation, including shift reports, production logs, and discrepancy summaries for management review.
Enforce strict adherence to workplace safety regulations and quality assurance protocols throughout the entire production cycle.
Facilitate the implementation of lean manufacturing and 5S initiatives to reduce waste and optimize factory floor workspace utilization.
Perform regular audits of production lines and machinery documentation to ensure all equipment remains compliant with manufacturer specifications.

Requirements and skills

Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics for tracking production orders and inventory.
Demonstrable experience with lean manufacturing methodologies, including Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate raw manufacturing data into clear, actionable reports for leadership teams.
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience in a plant environment.
Certification in APICS (CPIM) or similar supply chain and operations credentials is highly preferred for this position.
Technical aptitude for reading complex production workflows and identifying mechanical or procedural inefficiencies on the shop floor.
Exceptional ability to manage multiple competing priorities, such as rush orders and equipment downtime, under strict deadline pressure.
Clear professional communication skills, specifically in mediating between shop-floor staff and corporate management stakeholders.

FAQs

What does a Production Administrator do on a daily basis?

A Production Administrator is responsible for the technical coordination of the factory floor, which includes tracking production schedules, inputting inventory data into ERP systems, and monitoring real-time manufacturing KPIs. They spend their day generating performance reports, communicating with floor supervisors to manage labor shifts, and ensuring that all production documentation complies with internal safety and quality standards.

What are the essential skills for a Production Administrator?

The most important skills include mastery of ERP software, a deep understanding of lean manufacturing methodologies, and the ability to interpret technical production data. Beyond hard skills, a successful Production Administrator requires strong problem-solving capabilities, high attention to detail for audit compliance, and the communication skills needed to bridge gaps between production, maintenance, and supply chain departments.

What is the typical career path for a Production Administrator?

Many Production Administrators begin their careers in floor supervision or inventory coordination roles. From this position, they often advance into roles such as Production Manager, Operations Supervisor, Supply Chain Analyst, or Plant Manager. Because this role requires deep operational knowledge, it provides a solid foundation for those looking to specialize in manufacturing strategy, logistics, or industrial engineering management.

Why is the role of a Production Administrator important to a company?

A Production Administrator is vital because they are the primary point of control for production efficiency and data integrity. By keeping production schedules synchronized and identifying process bottlenecks early, they help reduce operational waste, ensure product quality, and significantly lower the cost per unit manufactured. Without this role, production teams often struggle with data silos, schedule misalignment, and undocumented process variations.