What does a Maintenance Supervisor do?

Maintenance Supervisors help identify potential problems, reducing downtime, decreasing expenses and enhancing business profitability over time.

A Maintenance Supervisor’s duties may depend on their work setting. For example, building maintenance for a healthcare facility may involve cleaning centrifuge rotors and chambers, while a Maintenance Manager in an automobile factory may manage the upkeep of jig welders and conveyor belts.

Maintenance Supervisor skills and qualifications

A successful Maintenance Supervisor can manage workers, conduct maintenance and ensure compliance. Your job description for a Maintenance Supervisor may request technical expertise, organizational skills and soft skills, including communication, adaptability and problem-solving.

You might also look for specialized skills, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, plumbing and electrical
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Understanding of local business codes and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations
• Budgeting skills for developing a financial plan for maintenance services

Maintenance Supervisor experience requirements

Some employers prefer a Maintenance Supervisor with several years of Maintenance Technician experience, but relevant experience from other positions, such as HVAC Technician, Plumber or Electrician, may also be considered. Leadership experience from managing a team or serving as a site or Department Manager can be beneficial, too.

Maintenance Supervisor education and training requirements

Formal education isn’t required to become a Maintenance Supervisor, making it well-suited for skills-first hiring. However, some employers may prefer candidates who have graduated from a vocational or technical school in a related field, such as electrical or plumbing. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in engineering or facility management can also be valuable.

Maintenance Supervisor applicants may receive certifications from organizations such as the Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP), the American Public Works Association (APWA) and the National Center for Housing Management (NCHM).

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description doesn’t fit your needs, consider these similar positions:

• Maintenance Manager
• Maintenance Technician
• Building Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Supervisor job description FAQS

Where do Maintenance Supervisors work?

Maintenance Supervisors typically work in various commercial settings, including schools, hospitals, resorts, hotels and industrial facilities. They may be employed by government agencies, for-profit organizations or private companies. Some residential buildings, especially apartment buildings, condos and planned communities with shared facilities, may also have Maintenance Supervisors.

Is being a Maintenance Supervisor an active job?

Maintenance Supervisors typically inspect properties and participate in or lead installations and repairs. Due to the mobility required for this position, quality candidates should remain active throughout the workday.

What other skills make a successful Maintenance Supervisor?

Your Maintenance Supervisor job description may reference essential skills such as extensive experience in HVAC, plumbing and electrical work. Successful Maintenance Supervisors are generally well-organized, demonstrate excellent leadership abilities and understand how to manage budgets and create project estimates.

Maintenance Supervisors can also detect issues and develop timely, budget-friendly solutions.

Who does a Maintenance Supervisor report to?

Depending on the organizational structure, Maintenance Supervisors may report to a Maintenance Manager or a Facilities Manager, who oversees security and overall operations. In smaller organizations, a Maintenance Supervisor may report directly to a Director or Vice President of Operations, or occasionally to the company’s owner.