Line Supervisor Job Description

A line supervisor is a communication link between the management and workers in manufacturing plants, factories and assembly line production works. Being an integral part of almost all industries, line supervisors work towards meeting the production goals set by firms.

Job Description of a Line Supervisor

A line supervisor working in a factory like cement plants is exposed to dirt and noise. However, those working in electronic chip industry assembly line may work in extremely clean, dust free and hygienic environment. Being a position that demands leadership and management qualities, it is essential for aspiring line supervisors to understand typical duties entailed in their profession. Mostly, first line supervisors are required to ensure that the production goals set by project managers and chief engineers in a plant are achieved timely. To do so, they may have to look after supplies and availability of equipment necessary for production. This is true for their works in mechanical plants, steel plants, cement factories and automobile plants.

Designations of line supervisors may vary depending on the industry type. In printing industry, for instance, line supervisors who look after management of production floors are often referred to as "chief bookbinders". Irrespective of the working company, the performance of a line supervisor affects the company's profit. While monitoring production works forms, their primary role is deeper when it comes to handling challenging situations tactfully.

In an attempt to ensure smooth production, line supervisor has to maintain good relationships with workers and he must also be able to understand their working speed as well as working qualities. To enhance production, a supervisor may move a worker to a different department or to handle different machine. All this requires a fair sense of judgment and understanding. Supervisors must have a deep understanding of their workers and their efficiency. Gaining respect from workers is essential to keep them motivated to give their best. Maintaining a close professional relationship and tackling daily problems, as they arise, demands good management skills in a line supervisor.

One of the other aspects of a line supervisor's job is to have an uncanny knack to spot errors in production. It won't be an exaggeration to say that some knowledge of operational management can be great for even fresher line supervisors.

Duties of a Line Supervisor

Some other line supervisor duties are as follows:

• They're communicators between management and production employees. This makes their role very crucial as good relations can boost firm's productivity.
• Supervisors offer rewards and encouragement to workers for doing good job.
• Plants that have workers unions, supervisors meet with union leaders to deal with issues concerning worker's interest. Strong conflict resolution skills do come handy in such situations.
• Supervisors have the authority to terminate employment of workers who're found to be working against the code of conduct of factory or due to poor employee performance.
• It is the supervisor who explains company's laws to workers.
• Supervisors also ensurer all workplace safety regulations are implemented.
• Supervisors keep attendance sheet, record in and out timings and they also create work schedule.

Education and Skill Requirements

• High school degree/college or technical training in supervisor trainer works.
• Good work experience is preferred. However, many companies provide management training to line supervisors.
• The ability to lead is a necessary trait.
• Effective communication skills especially regional language knowledge helps to explain things to workers or laborers.

Earning potential of line supervisors is pretty decent and with good work experience, they can move on to command good salaries. On an average, a line supervisor can earn anywhere between US$33,000 to US$55,000. A line supervisor job profile is a mix of many vital duties necessary for success of a production firm. Interested candidates can contact their college placement cells or visit job listings of production companies in newspapers and also on the Internet.