PRODUCTION AND MATERIAL COORDINATORS California Occupational Guide Number 433 Interest Area 5-A 1995
THE JOB
Production control is an indispensable element in all types of manufacturing. PRODUCTION AND MATERIAL COORDINATORS ensure that production schedules are met with the most efficient use of personnel, machinery and material. These workers are known by a variety of different job titles, such as operations coordinator, production scheduler, internal expediter or dispatcher. Coordinators implement master production plans established at the management level and are responsible for seeing to it that target dates are met. They verify that enough material is on hand and when and where it is needed to meet production schedules. In small companies, coordinators also may develop work schedules, prioritize work orders or arrange for machine time with department supervisors.
Coordinators monitor the status of work-in-progress (WIP), often using computer systems to generate reports. They identify problems and take corrective action. For example, they may suggest substitute materials, adjust work schedules or arrange for overtime to avoid production delays. Coordinators maintain detailed records of the production process, measure conformance of manufacturing departments to master plans and prepare reports for management analysis.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Production control is best characterized as data collection, reporting, and analysis in a factory setting. Desks are stacked with reports and computer printouts. One or more personal computers may be in use. Telephones are usually busy. Coordinators are in continuous communication with shop supervisors. They spend much time moving around the plant and may be required to wear protective clothing and glasses in some areas. Coordinators also attend meetings with design staff and management.
Coordinators must be flexible in their thinking, prepared to deal with and able to perform under pressure. Sometimes they are required to make immediate decisions and must be willing to negotiate agreements with other department heads.
Coordinators may join the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS).
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Production, Planning, Expediting Clerks which includes Production and Material Coordinators.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 37,510 Estimated number of workers in 2005 41,240 Projected Growth 1990-2005 10% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 14,380
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
The number of coordinators is difficult to determine because industry uses such a wide variety of job titles and descriptions. Most will be employed as expediters or production controllers primarily in durable goods manufacturing. More jobs are expected to result from replacement needs than from industry expansion.
The increasing automation of production control is not expected to reduce the need for highly trained coordinators. The formation of new manufacturing firms, the expansion of others, and the trend toward more structured, formalized management systems should stimulate a growing demand for Production and Material Coordinators.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages vary with company size and the degree of responsibility involved in the job. The range is from $4.25 to $12.00 per hour for entry-level workers, from $5.00 to $15.50 per hour or more for experienced coordinators, and from $6.00 to $23.25 for those with at least three years with one firm.
The regular workweek is 40 hours, but coordinators must be prepared to work irregular hours when emergency production problems arise. Time and one-half is normally paid for overtime. However, in small companies, where production coordinators may also function as production planners, they may be part of management and hence do not receive overtime pay.
Fringe benefits typically include paid vacations, holidays and sick leave, medical, dental and life insurance. Most companies offer retirement programs; and some provide vision insurance.
Below are typical wages for selected counties:
Santa Clara $7.30-$23.25 Hr. Merced &4.25-$11.70 Hr. Monterey &5.50-$11.70 Hr.
ADVANCEMENT
Production Coordinators may advance to higher levels within their own classification, to supervisory positions, or may work up to production planner or production/ materials manager. Depending on the company, production planning or management may require additional education, typically a bachelor's degree in business or industrial engineering. Also considered desirable are APICS courses and certification in such areas as production-activity control master planning and material requirements planning (MRP).
FINDING THE JOB
Opportunities for production control workers are advertised in local newspapers and listed with the California Employment Development Department Job Services and private employment agencies. Applications may be placed directly with employers' personnel departments. Information about openings for experienced coordinators is sometimes available through local APICS chapters. Applicants for these positions must present a resume.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The national headquarters of the American Production and Inventory Control Society is at 500 West Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22046. There are currently 20 local chapters in California.
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Industrial Engineers No. 3 Shipping and Receiving Clerks No. 63 Stock Clerks No. 74 Production Planners No. 271
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Material Coordinator 221.167-014 Production Coordinator 221.167-018 Material Expediter 221.367-042
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Production, Planning & Expediting Clerks 580080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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