The Most Common Supervisor Jobs

The most common supervisor jobs are those that exist within companies and firms and those that aren't highly specialized. Common supervisory jobs include sales managers, department managers, supervisors, and presidents.

The supervisor job has some basic duties. Those include writing current job descriptions, recruiting workers, classifying employee jobs and payroll titles, writing personnel policies, bargaining unit agreements, working with unions, documenting job performance, presiding over evaluations, recommending sources of actions, communicating expectations, and terminating employees.

A big portion of the supervisor's job involves managing employee performance and incidents. The supervisor must address performance problems through corrective action and dismissal. Other supervisors can provide extensive support and guidance to managers and supervisors in any disciplinary or dismissal action. They are responsible for documenting performance at least annually, sometimes monthly, and keeping written records of performance problems. They should take progressive steps in the disciplinary process, except in exceptional circumstances such as theft and violence.

Other responsibilities of supervisors include such activities as developing staff, mentoring, and providing career coaching; motivating staff, individually and as a group; understanding and supporting diversity; and establishing an effective team.

They can recommend employees for performance awards and merit increases when appropriate. As merit increases and award programs are implemented, supervisors will receive information for their eligible employees.

Supervisors also approve time off. They sign monthly time and attendance records and approve requests for time off. Their signature on a time record means they concur with the hours worked as recorded by the employee, including any overtime worked or time taken off.

These managerial workers also provide an appropriate orientation for the incoming employee, addressing such topics on the new employee orientation checklist. The supervisor gives employees the information, technology and reference materials necessary to adequately perform their jobs.

The supervisor also plans, prepares, and devises work schedules, according to budgets and workloads. They may issue instructions and assign duties, hire and discharge workers, and provide ongoing training for employees.

They interpret and communicate work procedures and company policies and revise as needed.

Solving issues is a big component of the supervisor's job. They must remain on their toes as new issues crop up daily. Conferring with higher-ups to determine appropriate resolutions may be needed when the supervisor encounters a particularly difficult problem.

Otherwise a common-sense solution that benefits both sides of the issue is preferred. Often the supervisor has to resolve customer issues and complaints, not just employee-related issues.

Maintaining meticulous records is another important part of the supervisor's job. They must prepare, maintain, and submit reports on a monthly or even weekly basis. They plan budgets as well as operational and personnel reports.

The supervisor may also approve the purchase of supplies, including office supplies, chemical products, furniture, office machines like faxes, paper, trips, and other supplies.

A shift supervisor is someone who manages a certain time frame of the work day, including days, nights, afternoons, or second shift. The supervisor also comes in a little bit early and begins preparing reports for the day. Then they walk the floor and check in on their employees, ensuring each has arrived on time. They motivate employees, check over work, and sign off on reports. They may attend meetings and preside over discussions. After the work day is done, the shift supervisor will approve the employee's work and let them go.