Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

OverviewJobsSalaryResumeSkillsWhat They DoEducationCertificationsDemographicsJob DescriptionHow To HireBest CompaniesBest StatesBest CitiesRemote JobsJob Outlook

Compare

FAQsPart Time jobsFull Time jobsWork From Home jobsLocations

Operation supervisor vs lead supervisor

The differences between operation supervisors and lead supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an operation supervisor and a lead supervisor. Additionally, an operation supervisor has an average salary of $57,279, which is higher than the $42,548 average annual salary of a lead supervisor.

The top three skills for an operation supervisor include logistics, safety procedures and OSHA. The most important skills for a lead supervisor are safety procedures, PET, and payroll.

Operation supervisor vs lead supervisor overview

Operation SupervisorLead Supervisor
Yearly salary$57,279$42,548
Hourly rate$27.54$20.46
Growth rate6%-
Number of jobs94,11671,796
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

What does an operation supervisor do?

Operations supervisors manage a specific operations-related team or department. They ensure that all the agreed-upon key performance indicators are being met. They also address any performance challenges and strategize on how to improve different areas in the team. They communicate team goals and balance the organization's requirements with the team's profile. Operations supervisors also manage the employees under their department. They hire for vacancies and train new employees. They also ensure that employees are properly coached for improvement. Operations supervisors are expected to be strategic, personable, and good communicators.

What does a lead supervisor do?

Lead supervisors are responsible for several duties within an organization. They are accountable for overseeing their members and making sure that the work they produce is of good quality. They mainly serve as role models for their staff members, who often seek guidance, leadership, and support from them. When issues arise between employees, lead supervisors should intervene by providing conflict management to ease the situation. They also have to delegate work to employees to get the job done efficiently.

Operation supervisor vs lead supervisor salary

Operation supervisors and lead supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Operation SupervisorLead Supervisor
Average salary$57,279$42,548
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $87,000Between $25,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CityKansas City, KSWashington, DC
Highest paying stateLouisianaMassachusetts
Best paying companyRopes & GrayABB
Best paying industryFinanceManufacturing

Differences between operation supervisor and lead supervisor education

There are a few differences between an operation supervisor and a lead supervisor in terms of educational background:

Operation SupervisorLead Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Operation supervisor vs lead supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between operation supervisors' and lead supervisors' demographics:

Operation SupervisorLead Supervisor
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 70.8% Female, 29.2%Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 4.6% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 4.4% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between operation supervisor and lead supervisor duties and responsibilities

Operation supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Manage labor and operating expenses to meet budget goals by utilizing KRONOS.
  • Manage the safety, quality, productivity, OEE, yields, & continuous improvement.
  • Manage the proper preparation of equipment for mechanical work as well as proper utilization of LOTO system.
  • Serve as member of HAZMAT team and manage all training, orientation and safety programs for entire facility.
  • Manage all inbound and outbound of product/inventory, and keep accurate counts in AS400 P.K.M.S warehouse management software.
  • Manage daily activities of up to 15 staff and up to 50 students at youth rehabilitation boarding facility.
    • Show more

Lead supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Direct and lead inventory control initiatives and conduct all safety committee meetings per OSHA requirements.
  • Plan, lead and participate in training, Kaizen and ongoing activities.
  • Follow the GMP's and safety guidelines, complete reports on computer and manually; and assist line workers.
  • Coordinate scheduling of several production lines involve in GMP manufacturing.
  • Check and audit timekeeping and attendance records for compliance standards and payroll integrity.
  • Institute daily time sheet and accounting reviews reducing errors and almost eliminating after-the-fact payroll and invoicing adjustments.
    • Show more

Operation supervisor vs lead supervisor skills

Common operation supervisor skills
  • Logistics, 7%
  • Safety Procedures, 7%
  • OSHA, 6%
  • Payroll, 5%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 4%
Common lead supervisor skills
  • Safety Procedures, 22%
  • PET, 19%
  • Payroll, 12%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Exceptional Guest, 10%
  • Performance Evaluations, 10%

Operation Supervisor vs. similar jobs

Operation Supervisor related careers

Operation Supervisor related jobs

Operation Supervisor jobs by location

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs