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Shift Manager Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Shift Manager, or Shift Leader, manages other employees who work shifts in industries such as retail, restaurant, and manufacturing. Their duties include delegating tasks and responsibilities, designing and adjusting schedules and supervising activities.

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Shift Manager duties and responsibilities

Shift Managers perform a wide range of duties depending on their industry. For example, a Shift Manager at a restaurant assists with food preparation, opening and closing procedures, inventory management, and others. General duties and responsibilities of a Shift Manager include:

  • Creating work schedules for other employees
  • Assigning tasks for employees to complete during shifts
  • Promoting specials, products, and services
  • Reporting on daily activities, sales, and issues as they arise
  • Adhering to and enforcing company or industry policies and procedures
  • Implementing employee training curriculum
  • Managing stock, anticipating needs, and making orders when necessary
  • Delegating additional responsibilities during busy hours
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What does a Shift Manager do?

A Shift Manager ensures staff members complete their tasks correctly during assigned shifts. They also perform administrative duties. Shift Managers report to upper management while having a middle-management level of authority.

On a daily basis, a Shift Manager interacts with customers, assigns tasks, motivates staff, and solves problems. They take on the responsibilities of staff members when an organization’s capacity is limited. Their role may also include handling cash, processing payments, reporting on employee conduct, drafting reports, and resolving conflicts.

Shift Manager skills and qualifications

A successful Shift Manager is expected to be comfortable leading a team and balancing responsibilities, time, and customer needs. Other skills and qualifications include:

  • Accuracy in handling and counting money
  • Proficiency in providing clear instructions and leadership to employees
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to keep a cool head under pressure and maintain authority
  • Customer service, communication, and people skills
  • Comfortable with rotating shift work, including working nights or weekends
  • Organizational, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills

Shift Manager experience requirements

When looking for a strong Shift Manager candidate, consider applicants with experience in your industry. Depending on the seniority of this position in your company, you may also want a candidate with at least two years of managerial experience.

Shift Manager education and training requirements

In Canada, there are no national regulations governing the position of a Shift Manager. A strong candidate usually possesses, a high school diploma or equivalent. They are also expected to complete courses related to the area they specialize in. You may ask a Shift Manager candidate for a certificate that shows they completed an apprenticeship or vocational training. Some provinces may require industry-related certification such as a food safety certification.

Shift Manager salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, average pay for a Shift Manager in Canada is $15.90 per hour. Wages may be dependent on experience, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Shift Manager job description is not quite what you are looking for, you may find additional information in related job description examples:

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Shift Manager job description FAQs

What is the work environment for a Shift Manager like?

A majority of a Shift Manager’s time is spent in the restaurant, bar, casino, or a similar establishment, managing the team with hands-on direction. They often have problem-solving and delegation responsibilities. The Shift Manager is prepared to arrive early and work late, and is flexible with work hours in general.

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