A television floor manager serves as a link between the director of a production, who is usually located in a control room, and the people and activities on the production set. This position’s responsibilities typically include ensuring that all technical aspects of a production set are working properly, such as proper placement of cameras and lighting, props and furniture, organizing performers and audience members during a performance, and dealing with any potential set safety issues. The term can also be used in retail, where it usually refers to a manager who is in charge of the operations of a sales floor in a store.
A floor manager is not to be confused with a stage manager, who is responsible for ensuring that actors and stage crew adhere to the script and cues in order to achieve the director’s vision for a production. A floor manager is usually more concerned with the technical aspects of a production. This can include attending to the needs of performers prior to their appearance on camera, assisting audience members who may require assistance, and ensuring that all physical aspects of a set are in working order. A floor manager’s responsibilities during a performance include quality checks on lighting, cameras, and other equipment, handling broadcast logistics, and relaying information between the control room and the floor crew.
A floor manager can also serve as the director’s eyes and ears on set, relaying information from the set’s “floor” to the control room. This can include informing the director of any off-camera events, such as if a cast member becomes ill, as well as keeping things running smoothly on set. During broadcasts of outdoor concerts or sporting events, a floor manager can also work at an outdoor location. He or she will usually coordinate actions between the control room and what is happening at the actual location for this type of broadcast.
A floor manager is a person who works as a manager in a retail establishment and is responsible for the daily operations of the sales floor. While different businesses may have different expectations of a floor manager, in general, he or she will deal with employee issues, ensure salespeople are meeting sales goals, and handle customer service issues. Unlike an operations manager, who is responsible for inventory management and store operations, a floor manager is responsible for dealing with the day-to-day situations that most customers encounter.