What is a Line Manager?

In brief

As Line manager You are the engine of production. You ensure that the line runs, colleagues stay motivated and objectives are met. A role full of responsibility and teamwork, because together you keep the process running smoothly.

 

What does a Line Manager do?

A Line Manager is more than a cooperating foreman: you know the line from A to Z and make sure everything runs smoothly. You perform tasks on the line, but also take charge. Your main duties are:

  • Managing and coaching packing employees and operators
  • Be responsible for daily production
  • Coordinate and distribute tasks on the line
  • Preparing work and materials
  • Motivate and mentor colleagues
  • Perform administrative tasks such as registrations and reports

 

In short: you are the pivot who ensures that both production and people are in balance.

What competencies should you have?

These are the qualities that make you excel in this role:

Proactive and decisive
Keeping an overview and working in a structured manner
People-oriented and coaching-oriented
Flexible and solution-oriented
Communicatively strong
Minimum secondary vocational education and training level

What does a workday look like?

You start the day by checking the schedule and materials. Then you divide the tasks and give clear instructions to your team. While you yourself also work on the line, you keep an overview and jump in when questions or problems arise. Do you see areas for improvement? Then you tackle them immediately. In between you carry out administrative tasks such as registering production numbers. At the end of the day you make sure the line is ready for the next shift.

How do you become a Line Manager?

To become a Line Supervisor, you usually need experience in manufacturing, such as as an operator or packaging worker. In addition, these steps help:

  • A secondary vocational education in the direction of production or logistics
  • Courses in the area of safety and leadership
  • Work experience in which you have demonstrated oversight and responsibility

 

Many employers offer in-house training to help you advance to this role.

Salary

As a Line Manager, you will earn at least the legal hourly wage of €14.40 gross (21+, as of July 2025). In practice, the salary is usually between €2,300 and €2,800 gross per month, depending on experience, shifts and sector. With allowances, this may be higher.

Diploma

A specific degree is not required, but an MBO degree in manufacturing, logistics or engineering gives you an edge.

Number of hours

Most Line Managers work full-time (36-40 hours per week).

Working Hours

You often work in shifts (2 or 3 shifts). Day shift is possible at some companies. Perks: shift bonus on top of your salary.

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Your next step?

Line manager

Are you eager to take the lead and work with your team to keep the production line running like a well-oiled machine? Then this is your chance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to become a Line Manager?

Yes, you usually do. Often you grow from a position as an operator or packer. With that experience, you can move into leadership.

Yes, a Line Manager works with and manages. So you are both colleague and leader, which makes for a strong bond with your team.

This varies from company to company. Sometimes you manage 5 colleagues, sometimes 20. Either way, you learn to switch quickly and keep an overview.

Absolutely. Many Line Managers advance to positions such as shift leader, team leader or production manager.

You have a lot of responsibility, but also direct contact with your team. You will see immediate results of your work: a smoothly running production line and a motivated team.