Production manager

The missions of the shipping production manager

The shipping production manager's role in the nautical industry combines hands-on team management and operational coordination. The shipping production manager oversees a team of around twenty people responsible for the final preparation of boats before they are dispatched to clients: cleaning, repairs, decoration and sticker application on hulls, installation of water grilles and cushions. He/she also supervises the dispatch of boats by scheduling appointments with hauliers and organising departures, with a maximum of six boats per day.

There is this transmission of know-how and interpersonal skills — something I really value. Young people have things to bring to the more experienced ones, just as the experienced ones have things to bring to the younger generation, and the mix of the two produces a pretty good result.

Shipping production manager

On a daily basis, the shipping production manager starts the day by greeting the team, exchanging a few words with each person and taking stock of any absences. This daily human contact is at the heart of the role. He/she then coordinates preparation and dispatch activities, oversees the organisation of the department and ensures that every boat leaves the site in impeccable condition. He/she also works closely with hauliers to plan loadings and calculate transport constraints. The days are intense and no two are alike.

The key qualities required for this profession are rigour, patience, dynamism, attentiveness and strong interpersonal skills, essential for uniting a team and passing on best practices.

Initial training and apprenticeship

Several training pathways lead to the shipping production manager profession. A Bac Pro Logistique or a Bac Pro Pilote de Ligne de Production provide a good starting point. For those aiming directly at a management position, a BTS Gestion des Transports et Logistique Associée (GTLA), a BUT Qualité Logistique Industrielle et Organisation (QLIO) or a Licence Professionnelle Management de la Production Industrielle (level Bac+3) are particularly valued by recruiters.

These programmes are available as initial training or apprenticeships, through a contrat d'apprentissage (ages 16 to 30) or a contrat de professionnalisation (from age 16, no upper age limit). They are eligible for CPF funding.

Career change

The shipping production manager role is accessible to career changers with experience in logistics, team management or industrial production. As demonstrated by professionals in the sector, it is entirely possible to reach this position by progressing gradually from operational roles, through continuing education and hands-on experience. Management and logistics training is offered by organisations such as AFPA, AFTRAL or IFOCOP, and can be funded by France Travail, OPCOs or through a Projet de Transition Professionnelle (CPF de transition).

Career development

After several years of experience, the shipping production manager can progress to roles such as logistics manager, operations manager or director of operations, overseeing the entire logistics chain of the site. Further training towards a Master Logistique et Supply Chain or a titre de Manager des Opérations Logistiques (level Bac+5) opens the door to senior management positions within large industrial groups.

Initial training

To become a production supervisor in the marine industry, you can take initial or sandwich training, from a vocational baccalaureate to an engineering degree.

Future prospects

In the Beneteau Group, the production supervisor can evolve by specializing as a workshop manager, logistics manager, launch pilot or support team manager.