The responsibilities of a department supervisor vary depending on the type of company for which he works and the policies of his employer. A department supervisor is typically in charge of training, scheduling, and supervising a group of employees who work in a specific group, department, or division of a company. In situations where employees have contact with customers and the general public, the supervisor may serve as a liaison if a customer is having problems. A department supervisor serves as a liaison between entry-level employees and middle management in many companies. Supervisors may be required to supervise or conduct certain financial transactions, such as issuing customer refunds or preparing bank deposits, and may be key holders for a business location.
Many businesses rely on senior employees to keep an eye on less experienced employees. Appointing a supervisor can reduce the workload of middle managers while also providing additional structure to a department or work crew in companies with multiple management tiers. In many cases, someone who takes on a supervisory position already has a long and positive history with the company she works for. These supervisors are often intimately acquainted with a company’s culture, policies, and practices, and are well-positioned to assess the performance of other employees.
While hiring decisions are frequently made by managers, a department supervisor may have a significant impact on whether or not a job applicant is hired. After the new hire is hired, the department supervisor may work with him to train him for his new job. The department supervisor is typically responsible for assigning job shifts and managing employee requests for time off and schedule changes in retail environments or businesses that operate on a shift schedule.
Supervisors are in charge of putting policies into action at the direction of management, and they may also be able to advise managers on employee promotions and terminations. A supervisor with a key to the business is not uncommon in retail establishments, and he may be responsible for being present to let employees in at the start of the work day and ensuring that the business is properly locked at closing. In cases where a customer requires a refund or other financial transactions, the services of a supervisor may be required.
In addition to their supervisory duties, department supervisors may have significant customer service responsibilities. A department supervisor might be able to work with customers to resolve issues like defective merchandise or late deliveries. When a customer and an employee are at odds, the department supervisor may take responsibility for working with both parties to identify the source of the problem and to address the customer’s needs while also supporting her employee.