What does a first line supervisor do?
First line supervisor responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real first line supervisor resumes:
- Lead division payroll meetings and maintain documentation available in share directory and portal to facilitate communication and standardization of payroll procedures.
- Serve as commercial hvac division field supervisor.
- Instruct supervisors when and where radar posts should occur to reduce speeding.
- Supervise for four years a staff of five teamsters in the manufacture of bulk pharmaceuticals according to FDA requirements.
- Participate in FDA audits of the manufacturing facility.
- Supervise and direct combat engineer objectives within the guidelines of the senior management.
- Ensure correct operation and maintenance of install radar, communications and tactical data links.
- Possess extensive knowledge in logistics management, personnel management, employee retention, and organizational effectiveness.
- Compile and maintain logistics support data, compute combat logistics and support requirements in support of operations and deployments.
- Lead division payroll meetings and maintain documentation available in share directory and portal to facilitate communication and standardization of payroll procedures.
- Test in-process products in the QA laboratory.
- Mentor and coach both exempt and non-exempt resources to improve the operations capabilities and leadership skills.
- Provide leadership for problem resolution to facilitate faster improvement and improve working relationships.
- Link clients to housing, psycho-social rehabilitation centers, patient assistance medication programs, and Medicaid/Medicare and crisis intervention programs.
First line supervisor skills and personality traits
We calculated that 28% of First Line Supervisors are proficient in Safety Procedures, Personnel Actions, and Corrective Action.
We break down the percentage of First Line Supervisors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Safety Procedures, 28%
Enforce Operations Security procedures and adherence to safety procedures involving launcher firing.
- Personnel Actions, 17%
Involved in all aspects of strategic planning and tactical application, risk mitigation, and personnel actions.
- Corrective Action, 5%
Develop corrective actions plans and performs disciplinary actions as needed to maintain performance and company standards.
- Logistical Support, 4%
Provided uninterrupted supply and logistical support to five large organizations during continuous combat operations.
- Conflict Resolution, 3%
Performed conflict resolution initiatives regarding complaints, conducted individual claims compensatory decisions, and approved or denied insurance claims.
- Combat, 3%
Completed Cavalry Scout Training, Combat Lifesaver, Information Assurance Certification Program, Drivers Training, and Professional Development leadership course.
Most first line supervisors use their skills in "safety procedures," "personnel actions," and "corrective action" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential first line supervisor responsibilities here:
The three companies that hire the most first line supervisors are:
- Axalta3 first line supervisors jobs
- DuPont3 first line supervisors jobs
- BNSF Railway3 first line supervisors jobs
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Compare different first line supervisors
First line supervisor vs. Tool room supervisor
A shop supervisor is responsible for monitoring the overall operations of a store, delegating tasks to the shop personnel, and ensuring the highest quality service to the customers for their satisfaction. Shop supervisors handle the sales inventory and process bank transactions every closing. They also negotiate contracts with suppliers and third-party vendors, receive proof of shipments, maintain an organized record of deliveries, and implement marketing strategies to boost brand awareness and generate more revenues to increase profitability.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between first line supervisors and tool room supervisor. For instance, first line supervisor responsibilities require skills such as "corrective action," "logistical support," "conflict resolution," and "combat." Whereas a tool room supervisor is skilled in "safety standards," "cnc," "front desk," and "jigs." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, tool room supervisors reach similar levels of education than first line supervisors. Tool room supervisors are 1.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.First line supervisor vs. Shop supervisor
Control Supervisors are responsible for overseeing the operational performance of an organization from a control room. Their duties include undertaking service escalations to site engineers, streamlining system deployments, ensure smooth stock-flow, and develop quality assurance improvements. They are responsible for setting team performance metrics, ensuring proper documentation processing, and providing guidance for operational efficiency. Control supervisors also report stock issues to the control room manager and ensure the work area is clean and adheres to all safety regulations.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, first line supervisor responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "personnel actions," "corrective action," "logistical support," and "conflict resolution." Meanwhile, a shop supervisor has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "preventative maintenance," "parts inventory," and "osha." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, shop supervisors earn a lower salary than first line supervisors. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, shop supervisors earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $63,390. Whereas first line supervisors have higher pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $72,612.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Shop supervisors tend to reach similar levels of education than first line supervisors. In fact, they're 2.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.First line supervisor vs. Control supervisor
Production supervisors are employees who oversee the production process, usually handling activities directly related to people management. They manage employees by ensuring that the production floor employees are doing their work well and are motivated. Production supervisors guide employees and ensure that everyone is working towards company goals. They properly communicate these goals as well as the strategies to meet the set goals. Production supervisors have a direct hand in the hiring and subsequent training of employees. They should have good communication skills, decision-making skills, and leadership skills.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from first line supervisor resumes include skills like "safety procedures," "personnel actions," "conflict resolution," and "combat," whereas a control supervisor is more likely to list skills in "traffic control devices," "iso," "control systems," and "asphalt. "
Control supervisors earn the highest salary when working in the automotive industry, where they receive an average salary of $115,049. Comparatively, first line supervisors have the highest earning potential in the energy industry, with an average salary of $72,612.When it comes to education, control supervisors tend to earn similar degree levels compared to first line supervisors. In fact, they're 1.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.First line supervisor vs. Production supervisor
Types of first line supervisor
Updated January 8, 2025
