Production Manager

 “When we finish a project it’s beautiful. There are really talented people here that know what they’re doing.” 

Carla Coyle is a production manager at A & K Millwork Ltd. in Winnipeg. She is a graduate of the Wood Products Processing degree program at the University of British Columbia. Carla began her education in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba and returned to Winnipeg to work in the family business. Carla feels that for women considering a career in the wood processing sector it is important for them to know that it is not necessary to have a cabinetmaker ticket to get into this sector. You can learn on the job. While there are not a lot of women in the sector this should not to be taken as an indication that women are not suited to the work. On the contrary, women like Carla are very committed, dedicated, and knowledgeable about the sector. With her science degree in Wood Products Processing Carla has a solid understanding of the theoretical background and a sound knowledge of how companies function. She makes full use of this knowledge in her current position.

What I Do

Carla makes sure that products are made to specification and delivered on time. She is responsible for employees’ health and safety, staffing decisions, meeting sales schedules, plant scheduling with supervisors, and working with suppliers.

What It Requires

Production managers require organization and planning skills, basic math and computer skills, as well as problem solving and communication skills. Flexibility is also important as it is sometimes necessary to work overtime. Continuous learning is also a key requirement.

Career Development

A production manager could progress to plant manager or operations executive

Age:	26-30
Gender:	Female
Diversity:	No diversity group identified
Salary:	Not identified; average is $55,000-$60,000 per year
Environment:	Office and production area
Schedule:	Full time
Hours:	40-50 hours per week (8-10 hours per day)
School:	University of British Columbia
Company:	A & K Millwork Ltd.
Company Size:	Small (75 employees)

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