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Build a Career in Industrial Management: A Constructive Tested Guide with A-Z Information

Career in Industrial Management

Do you wish to be a growth driver in the industrial manufacturing sector? Can you find innovative ways to optimize the production process in a cost-efficient way? Do you want to work with machines? Or want to manage people while working with machines? If you answered yes to any or all of the questions, you should consider pursuing a career in Industrial Management! 

Industrial Management deals with industrial design, construction, management, and application of science & engineering principles to improve the entire industrial infrastructure and industrial processes. A degree in Industrial Management combines the study of engineering, business, and management. It focuses on the management of industrial processes. Industrial Managers can be said to be responsible for the proper and the most efficient interaction of the 4Ms: Man, Material, Machine, and Method (which every organization needs).

Industrial engineering boasts a vast array of applications, rendering it among the most versatile engineering disciplines. Obtaining a degree in industrial engineering unlocks numerous career opportunities across diverse industries. Industrial engineers play a pivotal role by scrutinizing the entire production process, encompassing personnel, procedures, and products, thereby becoming indispensable in various sectors. Given that production serves as the lifeblood of contemporary organizations, industrial engineers are instrumental in devising systems that optimize output while ensuring top-notch product quality.

Want to know more? Come along… 

What is Industrial Management?

Industrial Management refers to the systematic process of overseeing and coordinating all aspects of production within an industrial setting to achieve organizational goals efficiently and effectively. It involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources such as manpower, materials, machinery, and finances to optimize productivity, quality, and profitability.

Key Components of Industrial Management Include:

  • Strategic planning: Setting long-term objectives and devising plans to achieve them.
  • Operations management: Ensuring smooth and efficient production processes.
  • Supply chain management: Managing the flow of materials and resources from suppliers to customers.
  • Quality control: Implementing measures to maintain product quality and customer satisfaction.
  • Human resource management: Recruiting, training, and motivating employees to maximize their performance.
  • Financial management: Budgeting, cost control, and financial analysis to ensure profitability.

Industrial management practices vary depending on the industry, company size, and market dynamics but ultimately aim to optimize operations and drive sustainable growth.

Who is the Industrial Manager? 

An Industrial Manager is a pivotal figure in the realm of business management, specializing in orchestrating the seamless integration of manufacturing systems, logistics, and supply chain operations. This multifaceted role demands adeptness in various domains, from materials management to entrepreneurship, all geared towards maximizing efficiency and economic viability within a business setting.

Key Roles & Responsibilities of an Industrial Manager

Here are some of the roles and responsibilities of an industrial manager: 

  1. Pre-production Planning: An Industrial Manager spearheads critical pre-production endeavors such as plant location, layout optimization, capacity planning, and meticulous selection and handling of machinery and equipment.
  2. Production Planning and Control: They are tasked with the intricate planning, routing, scheduling, and dispatching of production activities to ensure streamlined operations and optimal resource utilization.
  3. Total Quality Management: Maintaining stringent quality standards is a cornerstone of an Industrial Manager’s responsibilities. They establish quality benchmarks, conduct regular inspections, and facilitate corrective measures to uphold product integrity.
  4. Process and Service Improvement: Industrial Managers delve into finance, marketing, and human resource domains to identify areas ripe for enhancement, driving innovation and efficiency across the board.
  5. Design and Plant Layouts: From conceptualization to execution, Industrial Managers play a pivotal role in designing plant layouts, strategically positioning resources for maximum productivity and minimal turnaround time.
  6. Material Handling System Management: They devise and implement sophisticated material handling systems, constantly refining methodologies to optimize workflow efficiency and resource utilization.
  7. Labor Management: Industrial Managers oversee all facets of labor management, from recruitment and training to skill development, ensuring a skilled workforce equipped to adapt to evolving production methodologies.

In essence, an Industrial Manager embodies the quintessence of strategic acumen and operational proficiency, driving the sustainable growth and prosperity of industrial enterprises through meticulous planning, execution, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Is Industrial Management For You?

This is the most mystifying part. How would you decide whether you are meant for a career in this field?

So, there are questions and there could be confusion It’s ok to ask and it’s ok to search and learn about the right information before you make a choice.

You will need some scientific self-assessment for this. For this, you need to follow the below process: 

Step 1: Understanding what your real strengths and weaknesses are – your aptitudes, interests, and personality.

For this, it will be helpful if you can discover and know more about John Holland’s Theory of Career Choice or try the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test which is a well-known tool to map personality types to career types. It will be a tough task to help yourself alone in this case. Seek professional help to find out if you’re fundamentally aligned with this area of study.

Step 2: Find out and read in detail about a career in Industrial Management.

Conduct these self-investigations religiously. Do not only check the pay and perks, although that is the part that pulls us most! There can be hundreds of career pathways related to this one.

Step 3: Check what industrial management courses you must do after 12th or whether to pursue graduation in a different field first.

You should get help from a professional mentor who has immense experience in industrial management or is a veteran working in this field. Talk to our counseling educationists in Kolkata. You must know the courses available in the country at the moment to obtain training in this field. There’s no substitute for hearing it from the horse’s mouth!

Step 4:Check the names of colleges and institutions that are offering training in this field. Take the help of an expert. Make an informed choice

Check past performances of colleges and institutions offering industrial management courses in the country and abroad. You can consult NIRF Rankings List 2023 if you wish to continue studying in India. Check QS Rankings if you wish to pursue education overseas.

This is a serious exercise, and you may need professional help on this. We are equipped with experienced advisors. Try out a discussion with any of them.

How to Become an Industrial Manager?

In this section, we will be covering the various paths available to become an industrial manager along with the qualifications required to become one. So, don’t miss this section!

In some of the entry pathways described below, a Bachelor’s of Engineering would preferably mean Production Engineering, Production & Industrial Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. These engineering streams are advisable but not mandatory to have a career in Industrial Management.

The rest of the pathways are self-explanatory.

Pathway 1

Class 10 all subjects as per the scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per the scheme of studies – Bachelor’s degree (B.E. or B.Tech) in Production Engineering/Production & Industrial Engineering/Industrial Engineering/Manufacturing Engineering/Mechanical Engineering.

After completing your Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per the scheme of studies. Then you can pursue your graduation with a Bachelor’s degree (B.E. or B.Tech) in Production Engineering/Production & Industrial Engineering/Industrial Engineering/Manufacturing Engineering/Mechanical Engineering.

Pathway 2

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies – Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – Bachelor’s degree (B.E. or B.Tech) in Production Engineering/Production & Industrial Engineering/Industrial Engineering/Manufacturing Engineering/Mechanical Engineering/Chemical Engineering – Master of Engineering (M.E.) or MBA or MTech in Industrial Engineering/Industrial Engineering & Management.

After completing your Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics along with any other subject as per the scheme of studies. Then you can pursue your graduation with a Bachelor’s degree (B.E. or B.Tech) in Production Engineering/Production & Industrial Engineering/Industrial Engineering/Manufacturing Engineering/Mechanical Engineering, followed by a Master’s degree (M.E) or MBA or MTech in Industrial Engineering/Industrial Engineering & Management.

Also, read: Best Branches in Engineering & Toughest Branches in Engineering  

Thinking about skills? Okay, here you go…

Skills required for a Career in Industrial Management 

Industrial management involves overseeing the operations, resources, and personnel within a manufacturing or production environment to ensure efficiency, quality, and productivity. A career in industrial management requires a diverse skill set encompassing both technical and interpersonal abilities. Here is a table outlining the key skills necessary for success in this field:

Skill CategoryDescription
LeadershipAbility to inspire and motivate teams, make decisions, delegate tasks, and provide direction in a dynamic setting.
CommunicationStrong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with employees, superiors, and other stakeholders.
Problem-solvingAptitude for identifying issues, analyzing data, and implementing solutions to enhance processes and productivity.
Technical KnowledgeUnderstanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, technology, and industry-specific regulations and standards.
Project ManagementProficiency in planning, organizing, and executing projects within budget and schedule constraints.
Decision-makingCapacity to evaluate options, weigh risks, and make informed decisions to optimize resource allocation and outcomes.
TeamworkCollaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and foster a cooperative and inclusive work culture.
Time ManagementAbility to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and allocate resources efficiently to meet production goals.
AdaptabilityFlexibility to adjust to changing circumstances, market demands, and technological advancements in the industry.
Continuous ImprovementCommitment to ongoing learning, innovation, and process optimization to enhance efficiency and stay competitive.

Developing and honing these skills through education, training, and hands-on experience can pave the way for a successful career in industrial management.

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Industrial Management Courses

Depending upon whether you want to start in this field at the graduation level or higher levels of education, here are 2 segregated lists of courses that you may consider pursuing. You can finish graduation in any other discipline and pursue industrial management courses from the post-graduation level too. The entry pathways into this field are already elaborated in the earlier section.

Undergraduate

BE/ BE (Hons)/ B Eng./ Other Bachelor’s(like BS/ BBA or BBM/ B Sc or B Tech) in:

  • Industrial Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering & Management
  • Production Engineering
  • Production & Industrial Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial Automation
  • Industrial Tribology & Maintenance Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering + Engineering Management

Postgraduate

ME/ M Eng./ Other Master’s(like M Sc/ MBA/ M Tech) or Advanced Diplomas (whichever applicable) in:

  • Industrial Management
  • Manufacturing Strategy
  • Industrial Engineering & Operations Research
  • Industrial Management & Innovation
  • Industrial & Systems Engineering with specialization in Industrial Management
  • Industrial Engineering + Engineering Management
  • Industrial Management & Technology
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering & Management
  • Production Engineering
  • Production & Industrial Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial Automation
  • Industrial Tribology & Maintenance Engineering

Top 10 Indian Colleges Offering Industrial Management

Below is the list of top 10 Indian colleges that offer Industrial Management or other related courses:

  1. Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
  2. Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
  3. Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
  4. Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
  5. Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
  6. Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
  7. National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai
  8. Institute of Advanced Management Research, Ghaziabad
  9. Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Kolkata
  10. National Institute of Construction Management and Research, Pune

Industrial Management Course Fees Structure 

The average course fees for bachelor-level engineering courses in this discipline may range anywhere between Rs 3 lakhs to 5 lakhs.

The average fee for MBA – Industrial Management (and related courses) is Rs 5,00,000 per year approximately.

Master’s level engineering courses like ME or MTech in Industrial Management may require around Rs 2 lakhs or more.

Industrial Engineering and Management Jobs

In today’s diverse industrial landscape, the demand for professionals versed in industrial engineering and management (IM) is ubiquitous. This field encompasses a wide range of industries including manufacturing, technology, hardware, retail, and healthcare, among others. Despite its significance, only a handful of institutions in India offer courses in this discipline, with most being government-aided rather than private. However, pursuing advanced degrees such as M Tech, MBA, or FPM after completing engineering in any discipline can significantly enhance one’s value in the job market.

Opportunities in Industrial Engineering and Management

  • Industrial Production Manager: Responsible for planning, controlling, and scheduling production lines while considering resources, deadlines, and budgets.
  • Quality Assurance Control Manager: Ensures that products meet quality standards through rigorous inspection and adherence to protocols.
  • Production Manager: Oversees the manufacturing process, optimizing efficiency and productivity.
  • Facility Manager: Manages the infrastructure and resources within production facilities to maintain smooth operations.
  • Organizational/ Management Consultant: Provides expertise in improving organizational efficiency and performance.
  • Construction Manager: Coordinates and oversees construction projects, ensuring timely completion within budgetary constraints.
  • Operations Manager: Manages day-to-day operations to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
  • Compliance Officer: Ensures adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards.
  • Purchasing Manager: Responsible for sourcing and procuring materials and equipment necessary for production.

Thus, industrial engineering and management offer diverse career paths with ample opportunities for professionals to contribute to various industries’ success. Despite the challenges in education and placement, the value of expertise in this field remains undeniable in the modern industrial landscape.

Salary Range in Industrial Management Career

In the dynamic field of Industrial Management, professionals have a plethora of career paths to explore, each offering rewarding opportunities and competitive salary packages. 

Industrial Production Managers play a pivotal role in overseeing manufacturing processes, earning an average annual salary of INR 8,40,000. Quality Assurance Managers ensure product excellence and compliance with standards, commanding an impressive average salary of INR 14,50,000 annually. Construction Managers, responsible for supervising building projects, enjoy lucrative average annual earnings of INR 13,50,000. Organizational Consultants offer strategic guidance to businesses, with an average salary package of INR 4,20,000 per annum. Operations Managers, adept at streamlining processes, earn an average annual salary of INR 7,00,000. 

In government / public-sector undertakings, your role will be awarded several benefits including Night Duty Allowance, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, Compensatory Allowance, Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA), Special Pay, Substantive Pay, Time Scale Pay, Daily Allowance, Overtime Allowance (OTA) etc. and many more such entitlements.

These figures underscore the diverse opportunities and financial rewards available in the realm of Industrial Management careers.

Scope of Industrial Management

The field of Industrial Management presents a myriad of opportunities for individuals seeking dynamic and rewarding careers. With industrial engineering continuing to be in demand and showing no signs of slowing down, the scope for industrial management professionals is boundless. Projections indicate a substantial increase in demand, with a growth rate of 10% expected between 2019 and 2029, surpassing many other professions.

India, as a global outsourcing hub, offers immense potential for industrial management professionals. In an era where global trade dynamics are evolving, industrial management emerges as a pivotal solution for businesses aiming to achieve accelerated growth through optimized resource utilization and cost-effective operations.

Traditionally confined to the manufacturing sector, the scope of industrial management has expanded to encompass various non-manufacturing activities such as construction, transportation, logistics, and more. Industries ranging from delivery and eCommerce to manufacturing and FMCG sectors require skilled personnel proficient in industrial management to oversee and streamline operations efficiently.

Industrial managers play a crucial role in orchestrating the entire operational spectrum, from procurement and inventory management to production and distribution. Their expertise in optimizing processes and maximizing output while minimizing costs makes them invaluable assets in today’s competitive business landscape.

In essence, industrial management professionals are akin to diamonds in the labor market, with abundant job opportunities awaiting those equipped with the right skills and qualifications. However, achieving success in this field necessitates a strategic approach, including obtaining relevant degrees and seeking professional guidance to navigate the complexities of the industry effectively.

No wonder, a career in industrial management is fruitful, but everything comes with its own challenges...

PROs and CONs: What are the Merits and Challenges in this Career?

Industrial management is a dynamic field offering numerous opportunities for professionals seeking diverse work environments and responsibilities. However, along with its merits come several challenges that individuals in this career must navigate. Here’s a breakdown:

MeritsChallenges
High mean annual wage: lucrative salary packages make it a financially rewarding career.Difficult decisions: critical choices with significant business consequences can be stressful.
Versatility: opportunities to work across various industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, etc.Long work hours: typically entails daily shifts of 9-10 hours, demanding significant time commitment.
Broad applicability: roles extend beyond traditional industries to include healthcare, banking, and public administration.Extra shifts: often required to meet project deadlines, leading to increased workload and potential burnout.
Diverse roles: involvement in different verticals like supply chain management, quality assurance, and project management enhances skill development.Wearing many hats: managing multiple aspects of a business, even in entry-level positions, can be overwhelming.

Industrial engineering offers a fulfilling career path with ample opportunities for growth and impact, yet individuals must be prepared to tackle the challenges inherent in the field. Balancing the rewards with the demands is essential for success in this profession.

Final Thoughts!

Hello there! Interested in joining the force of Industrial Managers of today? Hope you have an answer to what is industrial management now. We’ve just presented to you multiple details about the scope of industrial management as an academic discipline, various courses, the different industrial engineering & management jobs that you can expect as well as the salaries & perks. If you’re wondering, you may try out a discussion round with our senior counselors for further clarity on what you may still be missing. Wish you the best of luck.

You can avail of iDreamCareer’s special services for that. We are here to assist you in making an informed decision about your future in this thriving field. Take advantage of iDreamCareer’s College & Course Selection Program today and embark on the path toward a successful future! 

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FAQs

Is industrial Management a good career option?

Yes, industrial management offers a promising career path with ample opportunities for growth and advancement. With its diverse applications across various industries and increasing demand for skilled professionals, it presents a rewarding option for individuals seeking a dynamic and impactful career.

Are industrial Management and industrial engineering different?

Yes, industrial management and industrial engineering are distinct fields. Industrial engineering focuses on optimizing processes and systems for efficiency, while industrial management involves overseeing the operational aspects of an organization, including resource allocation, logistics, and strategic decision-making.

What different types of roles & responsibilities of industrial managers?

Industrial managers oversee procurement, production, and distribution processes, ensuring optimal resource utilization and cost efficiency. They manage inventory, streamline operations, and coordinate with various departments to maximize output. Additionally, they strategize to improve overall organizational performance and meet production targets.

What are the educational pathways to becoming an Industrial Manager?

There are various pathways to becoming an Industrial Manager, including pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering, followed by optional higher education like a Master’s degree or MBA in Industrial Management or related disciplines.

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