what is a supervisor?

As a supervisor, you oversee a team or department's activities, programs, and functions. You are the go-to person in charge of a department or activity in the organization. In most companies, a supervisor is next in line after a manager as they are responsible for employees in their section or department.

Unlike managers, a supervisor is hands-on and oversees the daily performance of a small team or department. That means they oversee one aspect of the company by supervising a particular project. You hire, dismiss, or recommend workers for promotions as a supervisor.

Supervisors are important to an organization since their functions improve the company's productivity and ensure projects are completed within the stipulated time. The supervisor role is common in industrial and administrative settings that require close monitoring of various activities and teams.

To become an effective supervisor, you need strong leadership skills to create a supportive work environment for workers. You also need cultural awareness to recognize diversity and its impact on the workplace.

Would working as a supervisor suit your leadership skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a supervisor role.

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average supervisor salary

Your salary as a supervisor depends on your industry and level of experience. Your salary will often reflect the workload of your supervisory roles.

Besides your salary, the nature of your employment, permanent or contractual, also determines your benefits package. Additionally, private companies pay more than public institutions.

Wondering what you can earn as a supervisor? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a supervisor is.

how to increase your salary

You can expect a higher compensation package when you have accumulated a wealth of experience in a supervisory role. Your experience shows the skills and values you bring to the team, improving your salary prospects. Higher educational qualifications or specialized skills and certifications also raise your take-home pay.

The industry impacts your salary depending on the job complexity and whether the position is critical for the business sector. For instance, in manufacturing and other industrial settings, the role of supervisors is crucial since they oversee the activities of various teams in the production process. Therefore, working in the manufacturing sector can earn you a higher salary than in the business administration sector.

woman smiling in the office
woman smiling in the office
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types of supervisors

Supervisors work in various industries and undertake diverse roles, for example, maintenance supervisors, site supervisors, and cleaning supervisors. Some of the specialisms also include:

  • project supervisor: As a project supervisor, you oversee team members and work under the project manager. Your job is to create a plan for implementation and quality control. You also establish the resources to ensure each project phase is completed on time per the management's instructions. Project supervisors need to understand the task's components and how they fit together.
  • office supervisor: As an office supervisor, you oversee administrative tasks. You make sure the tasks are performed in a timely and efficient manner.
  • operations supervisor: An operations supervisor oversees the activities of a specific department or area within an organization. Your goal is to improve operating processes and report to upper management. You also monitor the performance of each employee and ensure that the team is productive.
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working as a supervisor

As a supervisor, you are a team leader, ensuring that operations and project activities are completed effectively and correctly. Here are the daily tasks and work environment of a supervisor.

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supervisor skills and education

Some supervisory roles rely on work experience instead of educational qualifications. However, if you want to progress faster in the role, consider the following academic qualifications:

  • bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree in business or management helps you to become a supervisor. However, you can alternatively pursue a team leader or advanced supervisor apprenticeship to qualify as a supervisor.
  • specialized degree: Specialized fields may demand specific degrees for supervisors, such as nursing degrees for nursing supervisors or engineering degrees for engineering supervisors.
  • business administration program: Business administration programs offer management, organizational behavior, and human resource management courses to equip supervisors with the necessary skills.
  • on- the-job training: Most employers often provide on-the-job training, but you need prior experience to excel in the role. Many supervisors start with entry-level jobs and learn the skills they need as they work toward advancement.

skills and competencies

Some of the qualities that a supervisor needs include:

  • effective communication: As a supervisor, you must communicate clearly and openly with your team. Listening actively and expressing expectations, feedback, and goals in a comprehensible manner fosters a productive working environment.
  • delegation: You should be skilled at assigning tasks based on your team member's strengths and developmental needs. Effective delegation optimizes workload distribution and enhances team efficiency.
  • conflict resolution: Conflicts arise within any team. Being adept at managing conflicts professionally and promptly promotes a harmonious work environment and maintains team morale.
  • empowerment: Empowering your team means trusting them with responsibilities and fostering a sense of ownership. Empowered team members tend to be more motivated and engaged in their work.
  • problem-solving: As a supervisor, you're often called upon to solve challenges. Applying analytical thinking to find innovative solutions demonstrates your leadership and problem-solving capabilities.
  • time management: Efficiently managing your time sets an example for your team. Prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and avoid unnecessary delays to create a culture of punctuality.
  • decision-making: You're responsible for making informed decisions that benefit the team and organization. Your ability to weigh pros and cons, analyze data, and choose the best action is crucial.
  • networking: Building a network within and outside the organization can provide valuable insights and resources. Strengthening professional relationships contributes to your team's success.
  • empathy: Understanding your team members' perspectives and challenges builds rapport and trust. Demonstrating empathy fosters a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.
man looking outside in the office
man looking outside in the office
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FAQs about working as a supervisor

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about supervisors.

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