Commissioning managers are responsible for the ways in which new products are designed and evaluated before being released into a market. They also might participate in recruiting processes, training, and in supplier negotiations. To become a commissioning manager, your first step should be to get an undergraduate degree in a field such as marketing, management, of finance or to pursue a degree related to a field in which you would like to work. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a career in software development, you should earn a degree in computer science or computer engineering. A person who wants to become a commissioning manager also should have experience in design and production, as well as in fields such as contract negotiation and employee management.
The responsibilities and requirements of commissioning managers vary among industries and employers, though in general they tend to be experienced professionals who answer to project managers. In other words, these people might be technical experts in their fields or they might have deep understandings of particular markets, though they do not usually participate in decision making processes. They do often act as team leaders, however, and may be go-to people for any problems that occur during design or production.
A person who wants to become a commissioning manager should to take his or her first positions in areas that enable him or her to see how products are made and tested. For instance, if you would like to work in the food industry, you might take courses in subjects such as nutrition, biology, or food engineering. You should engage in internships that provide you with your first opportunities to apply principles learned in the classroom to real world situations. In some instances, it also is a good idea to earn a graduate degree, especially if you are entering a field such as food and drug, engineering, or software.
To become a commissioning manager, it is essential that you become familiar with one product in particular. As you take entry level positions, use this experience to figure out in which kinds of products you are most interested. Most people choose their areas of interest by learning which processes they most enjoy.
An individual who would like to become a commissioning manager must also be able to perform basic managerial and administrative duties. For example, this kind of person should be able to read and compose sensible budget sheets. He or she also should be able to oversee employee performance, provide guidance, and delegate tasks effectively.
