Supervisors manage a team of staff and organise their workload. They work in all kinds of businesses and environments, including for example:

• leading a sales team
• managing a team or department in an office or call centre
• leading a section in a factory, restaurant, hotel or shop.

Their duties will depend on the size and type of company that they work for, but may include:

• planning workloads and rosters
• delegating tasks to team members
• dealing with any problems or complaints
• monitoring and reporting on the team’s performance
• coaching and training staff
• carrying out appraisals
• completing relevant paperwork
• keeping up-to-date with health and safety and equal opportunities laws and company procedures.

In some jobs, supervisors also carry out the same work as their team members, whilst in others they are only responsible for management tasks. In some organisations supervisors may also have wider management duties such as personnel or dealing with premises.

 

Hours and Environment

Supervisors usually work 37 to 40 hours a week, including shifts if required by the organisation's opening hours. Some jobs are seasonal, and there may be the opportunity for part-time hours or job-sharing.

Their working environment depends on the industry they work in, such as offices, factories or call centres. In some companies the supervisor may manage a team of staff based at different locations, so they may need to travel between different offices or sites. In some jobs supervisors may have to wear a uniform.

Skills and Interests

To be a supervisor you should:

• be able to motivate staff and lead a team
• have good written and communication skills
• have good people skills and be able to work well with colleagues at all levels
• be able to plan, organise and prioritise your own work and other people's
• stay calm under pressure
• be able to make quick, effective decisions
• keep accurate records and write clear reports
• have numeracy and IT skills, for some jobs.

Entry

You will usually become a supervisor or team leader after gaining in-depth experience in your job, and showing leadership skills and responsibility.

There are no set qualifications needed to be a supervisor. Most employers will prefer you to have some GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) or equivalent qualifications. Some employers may prefer supervisors to be qualified to A level/H grade or degree standard, others may ask for request specific qualifications relating to the type of business. However, your skills and experience are usually more important than your academic qualifications.

You may find it useful to have NVQs/SVQs or other qualifications in management (see the Training section for more details).

Training

You will usually learn supervisory skills on the job. Employers often also have their own structured in-house training programmes for supervisors.

You may be able to study for qualifications such as:

Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM):

• Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading
• Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management
• Level 5 Diploma in Management.

Chartered Management Institute:

• Level 2 Introductory Certificate in Team Leading
• Level 3 Introductory Certificate in Management
• Level 4 Introductory Diploma in Management
• Level 5 Diploma in Management.

NVQs/SVQs:

• Level 2 in Team Leading
• Levels 3, 4 and 5 in Management.

Depending on your job, you may also be able to do NVQs/SVQs and other qualifications aimed at management in your own specific industry.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .

Opportunities

Almost every organisation employs supervisors and team leaders all over the UK. There are many opportunities in retail, hospitality and catering, offices, factories, warehouses, call centres, and the public sector.

There may be the chance to apply for more senior or management positions, or to move into a different type of business to gain more responsibility or a higher salary.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. Salaries will vary depending on the type of industry.

Starting salaries may be around £15,000 a year.
Experienced supervisors may earn £17,000 to £21,000.
Senior supervisors with wider responsibilities may earn £25,000 or more.

In some companies, supervisors may receive overtime pay or commission on sales.

Further information

Management House
Cottingham Road
Corby
Northants
NN17 1TT
Tel: 01536 204222
1 Giltspur Street
London
EC1A 9DD
Tel: 020 7294 2470