anzsco.com.au
ANZSCO 133512Skill level 1Version 5Updated 2026-04-26

Production Manager (Manufacturing)

A Production Manager (Manufacturing) oversees the day-to-day manufacturing operations of a plant or factory, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and safety requirements are met. This is a core role in Australia's manufacturing sector.

Indicative salary range
$90,000 - $165,000 (2025 indicative)

Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.

Labour market demand

Steady demand; advanced manufacturing, food manufacturing, and defence sectors consistently seek experienced production managers.

Occupation list membership

Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.

  • STSOLShort-Term Skilled Occupation List

    Occupations eligible for shorter-term sponsored visas including Subclass 482 (short-term stream).

  • CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List

    The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.

Assessing authority

The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.

Visa pathways

Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.

State nominations

States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.

CodeState / TerritoryDetails
NSWNew South WalesView nomination →
QLDQueenslandView nomination →
WAWestern AustraliaView nomination →
SASouth AustraliaView nomination →

Key duties

  • Plan and schedule production runs to meet customer demand
  • Manage production staff, shifts, and labour resourcing
  • Monitor quality, reject rates, and implement continuous improvement
  • Manage plant maintenance and equipment reliability programs

Skills required

  • Manufacturing operations management
  • Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
  • Quality management and ISO standards
  • People management and shift supervision

Typical qualifications pathway

A bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or business is typical; trade background with supervisory experience is recognised. VETASSESS assesses qualifications.

Visa & occupation list information

Listed on STSOL and CSOL, enabling subclasses 186, 190, 482, 491, and 494. Employer sponsorship via subclass 482 is common in manufacturing-heavy states For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.

anzsco.com.au is information-only. For personalised advice on your situation, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.

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Occupation record last reviewed by editorial team: