Operations Supervisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of business operations, the role of an Operations Supervisor has never been more pivotal.
As businesses strive for efficiency and effectiveness, the demand for skilled individuals who can streamline, manage, and oversee our operational processes is escalating.
But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from an Operations Supervisor?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to unravel the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
- Or simply curious about the intricacies of operations supervision,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Operations Supervisor job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Operations Supervisor Duties and Responsibilities
Operations Supervisors play a crucial role in ensuring that the daily operations of a business run smoothly.
They oversee the work of employees, manage resources, and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Supervising day-to-day operations of the administrative department and staff members
- Hiring, training, and evaluating employees and taking corrective action when necessary
- Developing, reviewing, and improving administrative systems, policies, and procedures
- Ensuring office is stocked with necessary supplies and all equipment is working and properly maintained
- Working with accounting and management team to set budgets, monitor spending, and processing payroll and other expenses
- Planning, scheduling, and promoting office events, including meetings, conferences, interviews, orientations, and training sessions
- Collecting, organizing, and storing information using computers and filing systems
- Overseeing and facilitating resources management and administration procedures and documentation for the office
- Ensuring smooth and adequate flow of information within the company to facilitate other business operations
- Managing issues and emergencies that may arise, implementing solutions, or escalating to higher management as necessary
Operations Supervisor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are searching for a dedicated and experienced Operations Supervisor to oversee our daily operations.
As an Operations Supervisor, your responsibilities include ensuring smooth workflow and operations, meeting company objectives, and managing staff efficiently.
An ideal candidate should have strong leadership skills, excellent organizational abilities, and a solid understanding of business operations.
The goal of the Operations Supervisor is to ensure that all business functions are in line with our overall goals and mission.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations and make adjustments as necessary.
- Manage and lead operational staff effectively.
- Ensure that all operations are carried out in an appropriate and cost-effective way.
- Implement operational policies and procedures.
- Develop, implement, and monitor day-to-day operational systems and processes that provide visibility into goals, progress, and obstacles for our key initiatives.
- Plan and monitor the day-to-day running of business to ensure smooth progress.
- Manage procurement processes and coordinate material and resources allocation.
- Perform quality controls and monitor production KPIs.
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as an Operations Supervisor or a similar role.
- Knowledge of organizational effectiveness and operations management.
- Experience in budget development and oversight experience.
- Familiarity with business and financial principles.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Leadership ability and outstanding organizational skills.
- BSc/BA in business administration or relevant field; MSc/MA will be a plus.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Operations Supervisor
- Work Environment: This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Operations Manager or Director of Operations.
- Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Operations Supervisor Do?
An Operations Supervisor is a key part of a management team and oversees high-level HR duties, such as attracting talent and setting training standards and hiring procedures.
They may also be involved in evaluating productivity and employee compliance with industry regulations.
They are responsible for managing both the operations process, embracing design, planning, control, performance improvement, and operations strategy.
They manage the company’s day-to-day activities while keeping an eye out for future growth opportunities.
Their job also entails formulating operational strategies and ensuring those strategies work in practice.
They monitor operational performance and adjust strategies as needed.
Operations Supervisors play a key role in budgeting, controlling costs and keeping the organization on track financially.
They are involved in forecasting trends and overseeing inventory management.
In some companies, Operations Supervisors may also be involved in supervising and overseeing the quality of services or products their company provides, ensuring any necessary corrective actions are taken.
This could involve implementing new systems or processes, or restructuring existing processes.
Operations Supervisors often act as a communication liaison, holding meetings to make sure the various department heads are aligned with the company’s goals and targets.
They report to the senior management, or if they are in a larger organization, to the Director of Operations.
Operations Supervisor Qualifications and Skills
Operations Supervisors need a balance of leadership skills, technical knowledge, and problem-solving abilities to effectively oversee daily operations, including:
- Strong leadership skills to direct and oversee the team’s activities, ensuring efficiency and productivity.
- Exceptional communication skills to articulate instructions, expectations, and feedback to team members, as well as to interact effectively with other departments, stakeholders, and customers.
- Operational knowledge to understand the complexities of the business operations, including production processes, supply chain management, and quality control.
- Problem-solving abilities to quickly identify challenges and obstacles within the operations and take swift, effective action to resolve them.
- Organizational skills to manage various tasks, schedules, and responsibilities effectively, maintaining smooth operations at all times.
- Decision-making capabilities to make informed, strategic choices that align with the company’s objectives and drive operational success.
- Technical skills, including proficiency in relevant software and tools, to manage operations digitally, monitor performance, and analyze data for improvements.
- Financial management skills to manage budgets, control operational costs, and understand financial reports.
Operations Supervisor Experience Requirements
To become an Operations Supervisor, candidates typically need a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in operations, logistics, or a related field.
This experience can be gained through entry-level or mid-level roles such as Operations Associate, Operations Coordinator, or Logistics Coordinator, where they develop foundational knowledge and skills in operations management.
During this period, candidates learn about the different aspects of operations, including managing personnel, overseeing production, maintaining inventory, and ensuring that products are delivered on time.
They may also gain experience in using operations management software and tools, which are often required for the Operations Supervisor role.
Candidates with more than 5 years of experience are often preferred as they are expected to have more advanced skills and a deeper understanding of operations management.
They may have experience in supervising teams, managing budgets, and implementing operational strategies, which are key responsibilities of an Operations Supervisor.
Those with more than 7 years of experience may be ready to take on senior-level roles in operations management.
They may have experience in planning and implementing operational improvements, leading large teams, and managing complex operational projects.
Operations Supervisor Education and Training Requirements
Operations Supervisors typically require a bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, logistics, or a related field.
They need a strong background in operations management, business processes, and supply chain logistics.
They also need to have excellent leadership and problem-solving skills.
In some industries, such as manufacturing or logistics, specific knowledge or experience may be necessary and a master’s degree in a related field may be preferred.
Many Operations Supervisors also choose to pursue professional certification programs like Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) to enhance their skills and boost their career prospects.
In addition, they must have a solid understanding of safety regulations, quality standards, and operational policies to effectively manage day-to-day operations.
Continuing education and staying updated with industry trends and advancements are key to being successful in this role.
Work experience in a supervisory or management role is often required, as it provides practical understanding and application of theories and principles learned in academic settings.
Operations Supervisor Salary Expectations
An Operations Supervisor earns an average salary of $56,915 (USD) per year.
However, this salary can vary based on factors such as years of experience, industry, and geographical location.
Operations Supervisor Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Operations Supervisor need?
Operations Supervisors should possess strong leadership and managerial skills.
They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with team members, upper management, and clients.
They should also have a keen eye for detail and a strong problem-solving ability to resolve operational issues.
Experience in project management, budgeting, and planning is also beneficial.
Do Operations Supervisors need a degree?
Most employers prefer Operations Supervisors who have a bachelor’s degree in business management, operations management, or a related field.
However, some may accept candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent if they have significant experience in operations or supervisory roles.
Further certification in operations or supply chain management can be a plus.
What should you look for in an Operations Supervisor resume?
Look for evidence of leadership skills, operational knowledge, and effective problem-solving.
A good Operations Supervisor resume will demonstrate a candidate’s ability to effectively manage teams, streamline processes, and make crucial decisions under pressure.
Check for relevant qualifications and certifications, as well as experience in similar roles.
What qualities make a good Operations Supervisor?
A good Operations Supervisor is a strong leader who can motivate and guide their team.
They are adept at managing multiple tasks simultaneously and make decisions quickly and effectively.
They have a deep understanding of the operational processes and can identify areas of improvement to enhance efficiency.
They also have excellent interpersonal skills and can communicate effectively at all levels.
Is it difficult to hire an Operations Supervisor?
Hiring for an Operations Supervisor can be challenging due to the breadth of skills and experience required for the role.
It’s important to look for candidates who have a strong background in operations, proven leadership skills, and a track record of managing and improving operational processes.
Offering competitive salaries and opportunities for career advancement can help attract qualified candidates.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve given you a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to be an Operations Supervisor.
Surprise, surprise!
It’s not just about coordinating tasks and maintaining operational flow.
It’s about designing a smooth, efficient path to success, one process at a time.
With our handy Operations Supervisor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up.
But why limit yourself?
Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for precision-made job listings or tailoring your resume to perfection.
Always remember:
Every process is a part of a larger, well-oiled machine.
Let’s create that success. Together.
Reasons to Become an Operations Supervisor (Control the Operational Flow)
How to Become an Operations Supervisor (Complete Guide)
Disadvantages of Being an Operations Supervisor (Who Needs Sleep, Right?)
Survival of the Bravest: The True Face of Dangerous Jobs
Recession-Resilient: Careers That Keep You Secure
Quirky Careers: The Weirdest Jobs You Could Ever Have
Low Effort, High Reward: Jobs That Will Shock You with Their Salaries!