Employment of industrial production managers is projected to decline 4 percent from 2014 to 2024. Most of these managers are employed in various manufacturing industries, which may see a decrease in overall employment due to increased productivity. In the past, employment of industrial production managers was less affected by productivity gains, since these managers were responsible for coordinating work activities with the goal of increased productivity. However, as facilities adapt to this new, leaner production model, employment of workers and managers should be equally affected by productivity increases.

Some manufacturing jobs are at risk of being outsourced to other countries with lower wages, dampening some employment growth. However, this risk may be reduced by recent trends of “reshoring,” where previously outsourced personnel and services are being brought back to the United States. In addition, some firms are moving jobs to lower cost regions of the United States rather than foreign countries in a trend referred to as “domestic sourcing.”

Job Prospects

Applicants will likely face strong competition for positions, but those who have several years of experience and a bachelor's degree in industrial management or business administration should have the best prospects.