Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Working Life

The Production Manager is responsible for all the day-to-day organisational aspects of production management, scheduling, and budgetary control. 

The Role 

• Reports to the producer and works closely with all senior roles on the production team to ensure that planning, deadlines, logistical tasks, and all daily inputs of production run smoothly and according to plan. 

• Be intimately familiar with each line item in the budget and take direct, hands-on responsibility for managing all costs and timesheets, as well as creating and completing all production paperwork, including clearances, location licenses, and release forms.

• The role is typically office-based, with work beginning as soon as the production is commissioned, and involves overseeing the programme through pre-production, filming, post-production, and final delivery to the broadcaster for transmission.

Works with 

• Producer
• Broadcaster
• Director
• Assistant Producer
• Writer
• Editor
• Talent/Cast
• Post-Production and Effects Team

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
• Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
• Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
• Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
• Monitor suppliers to ensure that they efficiently and effectively provide needed goods or services within budgetary limits.
• Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximise investments, or increase efficiency.
• Establish or implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, or procedures in conjunction with board members, organisation officials, or staff members.
• Perform personnel functions, such as selection, training, or evaluation.
• Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
• Set prices or credit terms for goods or services, based on forecasts of customer demand.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Education Route: Production managers do not necessarily need professional qualifications, as the role is often entered through experience. However, third-level courses in film and media studies are common pathways into the profession.

Career Path to Production Manager/Coordinator - TV Production: Production Managers will usually have been successful line producers.  In many cases, production managers will have started as runners. 

Career Path from Production Manager/Coordinator - TV Production: Line Producer, Co-Producer/Supervising Producer, Producer/Executive Producer, Head of Production.