Supervisor
What is the work like?
As a supervisor in any industry, you would manage a team of staff and organise their workload. You could work in all kinds of businesses, for example leading a sales team, managing a team in an office or call centre, or leading a section in a factory, restaurant or shop.
Your duties would depend on the type of company that you worked for, but would typically include:
- planning workloads and rosters
- delegating tasks to team members
- handling 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 equality and health and safety law.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
In general, you would become a supervisor or team leader after gaining in-depth experience in your job, showing leadership skills and taking on more responsibility. You should check extra entry requirements for each job with employers.In most industries you do not need particular qualifications to become a supervisor. Employers will usually ask for a good standard of general education, but your skills and experience are usually more important than your academic qualifications. Skills like leadership, organisational ability and time management are important in all types of business.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually develop your supervisory skills on the job. Some employers also run their own structured in-house training programmes for supervisors.
You may have the chance to gain recognised qualifications in management whilst you are working. You could work towards NVQs at Level 2 in Team Leading and levels 3, 4 and 5 in Management, or you could study part-time for certificates and diplomas from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) or the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
ILM qualifications include:- Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading
- Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management
- Level 5 Diploma in Management.
- Level 2 in Team Leading
- Level 3 in First Line Management
- Level 5 in Management and Leadership.
See the ILM and CMI websites for more details about their qualifications.
In certain types of work, you may also be able to take NVQs and other qualifications aimed at management in your own industry. This is common in the call centre, retail, care and hospitality industries.
Where can I go for more information?
Management HouseCottingham Road
Corby
Northants
NN17 1TT
Tel: 01536 204222
Netherstowe
Lichfield
Staffordshire
WS13 6TJ
Tel: 01543 266867
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Salaries for supervisors and team leaders are normally between £15,000 and £25,000 a year, although this can vary according to the industry.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working environment would also depend on your industry – you could work in an office, shop, factory or call centre, for example. In some companies the supervisor manages staff based at different locations, so you may need to travel between different sites.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to motivate people
- good spoken written communication skills
- a responsible attitude
- good 'people skills' for building relationships with colleagues at all levels
- the ability to plan and prioritise your own work and other people's
- calmness under pressure
- decision-making ability
- accuracy with record keeping
- IT skills.
What opportunities are there?
With experience you could progress to more senior management positions in your own organisation, or move into a different type of business to gain more responsibility or a higher salary.
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