Hire a Shift Supervisor
A shift supervisor manages a group of associates in the day-to-day operational tasks of the business. They monitor operations and ensure compliance with safety and logistics protocols. They set objectives, organize workflow, give guidance, and support goals of the associates. Shift supervisors actively engage with warehouse and regional operations leadership teams to implement new services and existing operational improvements. They support the operations team in the daily supervision of a delivery station. Primarily, shift supervisors get employed in cross-docks, warehouses, or transportation management facilities. Shifts might include evenings and weekends. In larger operations, a supervisor has a more strategic role. They deal with planning, coordination, administration, and general management duties. In a smaller organization, the supervisor takes on a more practical hands-on approach. Professionals in this role earn an average salary of $52,000 annually, with attractive bonuses for overtime or extra shift work, in addition to other benefits.
Key job duties
Shift supervisors primarily deal with the smooth delivery of the processes throughout work-sites. Their responsibilities are directly related to the end-user experience and customer satisfaction. They organize, assign, schedule, develop, and lead the workforce to obtain safety, quality, and productivity requirements. Coordinating with the support departments, they direct the shift workers to complete the assigned tasks. They measure and countermeasure quality-related problems, provide training and counseling to the team as needed, and ensure their development through regular monitoring and follow-up. Incumbents also follow standard practice guidelines and promote quality awareness in the facility. Shift supervisors also analyze problems affecting workforce morale, monitoring the application of company guidelines and policy relating to attendance and output. They promote and ensure a safe working environment for workers while maintaining quality and productivity requirements. In this way, they assist in building and controlling the department budget by monitoring performances. Moreover, supervisors continually identify new methodologies to improve shift operations.
Shift Supervisor Requirements
Hiring managers usually seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree in logistics, operations, or a related field. Previous experience as a supervisor in a distribution center or logistics warehouse is also preferred. Some hiring managers favor candidates who have gained significant experience in leading a team in a fast-paced and process-driven environment. To succeed in this position, the candidate must have demonstrated problem-solving and analytical capabilities in a fast-paced working environment. They must have a solution-first approach, identifying the source of potential obstacles and sorting them without hampering the operations. An ideal candidate embraces the role as a committed team player. They must have a proven track record of taking ownership, ensuring that the work gets completed as per given timeframes and budget. Most importantly, the potential hire must be an excellent communicator and should be able to liaise confidently internally and externally.
