Description

A supervisor of operating and production workers, also referred to by the name of a supervisor in first line, typically supervises 20 or more front-line workers. The employees under the control of a first-line supervisor are likely to be laborers who complete their work on site. The supervisor in the first line must supervise over the employees and ensure that production speeds and quality is maintained. Sometimes, they may need to recruit new employees and also teach new employees. Another crucial aspect of the work of a supervisor in the first line is safety of employees. The supervisor must ensure that all safety rules are adhered to, and create plans and strategies that create an environment that is safe for employees, and identifying hazards at the work location.

A first-line supervisor should have previous supervision experience within a production or manufacturing field. Typically between three and five years of experience is recommended. Additionally, a bachelor's degree in engineering, management or business, or any related field could be required. First-line supervisors also require an excellent ability to communicate as well as experience working with the use of spreadsheets as well as data. Production is rapid-paced, and the first-line supervisor must have the ability to stay pace and communicate with employees effectively.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a First-Line Supervisor / Manager of Production and Operating Workers with 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Supervise daily operations on the production floor, ensuring smooth workflow and adherence to quality and safety standards. Monitor and optimize production processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions.
  • Train and mentor production and operating workers, providing guidance on procedures, equipment usage, and best practices. Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback for skill development.
  • Coordinate with other departments, such as procurement and maintenance, to ensure timely availability of resources and equipment. Collaborate with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot production issues and implement production improvements.
  • Maintain production records and reports, including inventory levels, output, and productivity.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a First-Line Supervisor/Manager of Production and Operating Workers job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong leadership skills to effectively manage and coordinate a team of production and operating workers, ensuring efficiency and productivity.
  • In-depth knowledge of production processes and operating equipment to monitor operations, identify any issues, and implement appropriate solutions.
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities to resolve operational challenges and optimize workflow for maximum output.
  • Effective communication skills to provide clear instructions, motivate employees, and maintain a positive work environment.

Essential Skills For First-Line Supervisor / Manager of Production and Operating Workers

1

Product Manufacturing

2

Product Development

3

Product management tools

Skills That Affect First-Line Supervisor / Manager of Production and Operating Workers Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Operations Management

9%

Leadership Organisation Teamwork

7%

Leadership

9%

Production Management

18%

Career Prospects

As an experienced First-Line Supervisor/Manager of Production and Operating Workers in the United Kingdom, you may consider exploring alternative roles that align with your skills and experience. Here are following options worth considering:

  • Operations Manager: A role that involves overseeing the daily operations of an organization, optimizing efficiency, managing resources, and ensuring smooth production processes.
  • Supply Chain Manager: A position focused on coordinating the movement of goods and materials, optimizing logistics, managing inventory, and fostering strong relationships with suppliers and distributors.
  • Quality Control Manager: An opportunity to lead and implement quality control measures, ensuring products meet industry standards and customer expectations, while continuously improving processes and resolving issues.
  • Project Manager: A role that involves leading and managing projects from initiation to completion, including planning, resource allocation, monitoring, and ensuring project goals are achieved within budget and timelines.

How to Learn

The projected growth of the First-Line Supervisor / Manager of Production and Operating Workers role in the United Kingdom job market is expected to be steady over the next 10 years. According to available data, the employment opportunities for this position are anticipated to remain stable, with a potential increase in demand. However, specific details regarding the number of employment opportunities that will be available in the future are limited. Nonetheless, the role is likely to continue to be essential in overseeing and managing production and operating workers, ensuring efficient and effective operations in various industries.