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Shift Leader Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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A Shift Leader, sometimes called a Foreman or Shift Supervisor in some industries, oversees the work of employees like Factory Workers, Miners, Labourers, and warehouse workers, and the projects they’re working on. Their primary duties are to supervise employees, ensure everyone is meeting safety protocols, and manage the workflow of the team.

Shift Leader duties and responsibilities

The Shift Leader is responsible for many duties every day in order to optimize workflow at all times. Some common duties and responsibilities of a Shift Leader across any industry may include:

  • Manage the workflow and ensure that the team meets production requirements
  • Ensure safety protocols are followed
  • Operate a variety of equipment, as needed
  • Work with the Production Manager to schedule projects and maximize workflow
  • Prepare production reports for supervisors or upper management
  • Manage and resolve conflicts among employees

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Shift Leader Job Description Examples:

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Create a culture of innovation
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What does a Shift Leader do?

The Shift Leader oversees the entire team of workers during the shift they are supervising. They are responsible for ensuring employees are working in safe conditions and that the projects are completed on time. They must keep the Production Manager informed on the progress of each project. They’re responsible for managing the employees on their team. They hire new employees, onboard and train them, and schedule staff to maximize productivity.

Shift Leader skills and qualifications

A successful Shift Leader candidate will have interpersonal skills that make for a good leader. Some of the essential skills and qualifications of a good Shift Leader candidate include:

  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Knowledge of computer software programs used by the company
  • Exceptional leadership skills
  • Excellent understanding of the workflow process from each point of view
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to prioritize projects accordingly

Shift Leader experience requirements

Successful Shift Leader candidates will usually have experience on the floor of a warehouse or factory as a worker. Additionally, experience as a worker in the same company or similar industry is a strong asset.

Shift Leader education and training requirements

A Shift Leader is usually required to hold a secondary school diploma, in addition to whatever experience they bring from the floor. If the applicant will be working in a facility that deals with hazardous waste, they must have the necessary certifications to be eligible to work with hazardous substances. A Shift Leader candidate may need to hold a valid driver’s license as well. They must also be able to operate any machinery on the warehouse floor.

Shift Leader salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average pay for a Shift Leader in Canada is $17.70 per hour. Wages vary based on factors like location, type of industry, and level of experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

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Create a culture of innovation
Download our free step-by-step guide on encouraging healthy risk-taking
Get the guide

Shift Leader job description FAQs

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