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What is a First Line Supervisor? Key Duties and Responsibilities

First line supervisors play a key role in helping customers get the products they need in a timely manner. When they’re not busy supervising employees, members of the first line management team make sure equipment functions correctly and supplies remain stocked. They often work with second line supervisors and other team leaders to make sure the office or warehouse runs smoothly. Learn more about the job duties and benefits of this important position below.

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What is a first line supervisor?

A first line supervisor works with employees and other managers to help a company meet production goals. They monitor production lines while honoring the demands of upper management who may sometimes have little knowledge of daily operations. As a first line supervisor, you must also follow union guidelines when applicable and meet safety regulations established by agencies such as OSHA.

You can find first line supervisors in all industries, though they typically work in warehouse or factory settings. These production leaders may manage small teams of product inspectors, assemblers, sheet metal fabricators, plant operators or machine setters. Because the position requires extensive knowledge of production activities, candidates are often trained and promoted from within or hired from similar fields.

Overview of a first line supervisor’s main roles, responsibilities and duties

A first line supervisor must meet the needs of the production team, upper management and local or nationwide labor unions. This can get tricky, as each group may have different expectations for how things should flow at the company. At times, first line leaders must play the peacemaker role and help upper management understand the challenges blue-collar workers face. These conversations, along with performance coaching, help boost employee morale and improve the productivity of team members.

Duties vary based on the industry where a first line supervisor works, but here are some common responsibilities:

1. Production line management

First line leaders make sure every member of the production team pulls their weight. They set daily, quarterly or annual production goals, then ensure employees hit these targets. If a worker is struggling, a production leader can offer guidance or request additional training.

First line supervisors also make sure employees follow company policies, such as wearing steel-toed shoes or treating coworkers with respect. They make sure things run smoothly and provide solutions when something doesn’t.

2. Safety enforcement

Production lines are ripe with potential safety hazards, so it’s important to have a first line supervisor who understands the risks of working with heavy machinery or other dangerous equipment. Government agencies often establish general safety guidelines for production jobs, but local guidelines or company policies must also be followed. This may include monitoring compliance with safety gear or making sure employees in demanding positions take frequent breaks.

3. Administrative duties

Some production lines are lucky enough to have clerical support, but these duties often fall on first line supervisors. Supervisors may be asked to track attendance and punctuality, record violations for safety or behavior, create work schedules, complete paperwork or assign daily tasks.

First line supervisors may also schedule or attend company meetings, meet with vendors or customers, and perform general maintenance or janitorial duties as needed.

Benefits of hiring a first line supervisor

A first line supervisor helps connect upper management and supervisors from other departments with the employees who manage daily operations. This position is important, because without it, these departments may rarely interact with each other aside from the occasional company meeting or employee gathering.

First line supervisors listen to the expectations of each team, then relay and execute the requests while overseeing daily operations. This gives team members a better understanding of what benefits the company, which is important for teams that have limited knowledge of other branches.

Production lines can be fast-paced and dangerous. It’s easy to fall behind or get injured during the workday if employees are ignoring safety guidelines or lack the necessary training. First line supervisors help prevent these issues by monitoring daily production activities and reporting any concerns to the company.

FAQs about first line supervisors

If you’re thinking about hiring a first line supervisor for your company or simply wondering if you have appropriate expectations for your current supervisors, check out these helpful FAQs.

How much do first line supervisors make?

The median rate for first line supervisors is $29.48 per hour or $61,310 per year. However, some supervisors bring in a six figure annual income, with their hourly rate averaging around $50.

Companies often provide generous benefit plans for supervisors, which may include sick days, vacation days, medical assistance and retirement benefits.

What is a second line supervisor?

A second line supervisor supports the first line supervisor of a production team. Second line supervisors often carry out the orders of first line supervisors or other members of the upper management team and help ensure company protocol is followed.

What skills should a supervisor have?

A supervisor, regardless of whether they’re supervising employees in an office or warehouse setting, should be ethical, dependable, logical and social. Extensive communication is often required, so supervisors must have strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact well with different personalities.

A first line supervisor creates an essential bridge between upper management and the employees who handle day-to-day operations. With help from a first line supervisor, your company can ensure the needs and expectations of every department are met.

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