The basics of operational supervision

Operational supervision is the process of overseeing the daily activities of a department or facility and managing the efficiency of its employees. This process involves making sure that each team within a department has the supplies and resources they need to produce the company’s services or products. It also includes supervising employee affairs, such as attendance, performance and professional growth. Hiring someone to provide operational supervision is often an essential step in securing the success of a business.

The responsibility of operational supervision usually falls on an operations manager or supervisor. An operational supervisor uses their field-specific knowledge and experience to guide and manage a certain team of professionals. For example, a production operational supervisor would be responsible for overseeing all activities in a production factory, while a distribution operational supervisor would do the same in a shipping facility. An operational supervisor’s primary duties include:

• Training new hires and monitoring all employee performance
• Planning and enforcing budgets and delivery schedules
• Keeping inventory records and purchasing items whenever necessary
• Making strategic plans to improve efficiency and promote growth
• Setting short and long-term goals for the department and for individual employees
• Managing employees who are underperforming, with the assistance of HR
• Overseeing all customer service communication and intervening if necessary
• Changing and updating processes or policies that can be improved
• Communicating with upper management and reporting the department’s progress

Operational supervisors are important additions to any organization. Their primary goal is to help the company grow and succeed by making everyday activities more efficient. They are constantly working to improve practices, increase employee performance and eliminate delays. Hiring a skilled and hard-working operational supervisor or manager helps a company to consistently produce high-quality products, while also maintaining employee satisfaction.

Related: 5 Operations Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Best practices for your business

Here are some tips and strategies for how to maximize the potential of operational supervision in your workplace:

1. Prioritize the customer
2. Address problems at their source
3. Invest in new technology
4. Simplify processes
5. Communicate effectively

1. Prioritize the customer

Operational supervision is primarily concerned with what goes on within the workplace and how it affects the employees. However, the end-goal of all operational processes is to provide a product or service to a customer. The operational supervisor should constantly be setting and working towards goals that have the customer’s best interests in mind. The overall purpose of increasing efficiency, streamlining a process or improving employee performance should be to meet customers’ needs more effectively.

2. Address problems at their source

Part of being a successful operations manager is solving problems and eliminating delays in production processes. To provide lasting solutions, operational supervisors should also identify the source of an issue rather than just handling the symptoms. Solving problems at their source allows operations managers to make long-term changes that prevent similar issues from arising in the future. Effectively eliminating issues early on helps companies to grow and develop without setbacks.

3. Invest in new technology

The popularization and development of digital technology have significantly impacted how businesses function in modern society. Operational supervision now involves using computers and digitally controlled machines to carry out administrative and product-oriented tasks. To help your operations supervisors maximize your workplace’s potential, be prepared to invest in the latest technological tools. Introducing machines that can automate simple tasks can increase your profits and help you to stand out from your competitors.

4. Simplify processes

To automate a process, it must first be made as simple as possible. Streamlining processes involves considering each individual step and determining if all the tasks are being completed as efficiently as possible. Simplifying processes allows operations managers to eliminate delays and reduce the waste of time and resources. Assessing processes and innovating ideas for improvement should be the constant pursuit of an effective operations manager.

5. Communicate effectively

Efficiency often relies on the effectiveness of a team’s communication. Employers should be able to clearly communicate their expectations and goals to their operational supervision professionals. Similarly, the operations supervisor must also be able to instruct, guide and correct employees well. Effective communication allows all parties to work together without misunderstanding or delays.

Operational supervision FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions concerning operational supervision :

What skills should you look for in an operations supervisor?

Effective operations supervisors exhibit several important skills. These include:

• • Leadership: Operations supervisors should be able to effectively lead and motivate a team of individuals. This involves leading by example, setting achievable goals and inspiring employees to work hard for personal improvement. Operations supervisors who are good leaders are also able to confidently act with authority and work autonomously.

• • Organization: Organizational skills involve the ability to balance multiple tasks and projects without missing deadlines or neglecting responsibilities. Operations managers are able to oversee and direct numerous processes and employees effectively. They are also able to follow through on their promises and deliver results on time.

• • Critical thinking: Operations managers use critical thinking skills to solve problems and implement improvements. They are able to consider an issue and innovate creative solutions that increase efficiency and make room for future progress. Operations managers see obstacles as challenges to overcome and keep a positive attitude when handling setbacks.

• Communication: Operations managers spend much of their time directing employees and overseeing projects. This involves the ability to train, teach, inform and give criticism. They should also be able to listen actively and respond to feedback from others.

What requirements should you set for operations manager candidates?

Most employers require operations managers to have a high school diploma or college degree, depending on their industry. Operational managers should have several years of experience working in their industry before they are offered a managerial position. They should be familiar with your company’s products or services and should understand your goals and vision for future growth. Operations managers should be able to work full time and should be able to successfully commute to and navigate within your workplace.