Job Description for a Shift Leader

Everyone knows that managers run the show. However, when the manager is not present, someone else must be put in charge. Those who are appointed authority in the absence of managers are shift leaders. In essence, shift leaders are temporary stand-in managers. There certainly is career advancement for shift leaders who wish to move up within a company.

Appearance

Shift leaders are responsible for maintaining the appearance of the storefront. Each company has its own ideal standards of how their storefront should be maintained. Shift leaders are responsible for appointing staff to maintain the storefront appearance or taking the task upon themselves.

Conflict Resolution

As a shift leader, it is your job to make sure that the shift runs smoothly and according to plan. All unexpected conflicts that occur throughout a shift must be addressed by the shift leader. If for any reason a conflict arises between employees, an employee and a customer or between customers, the shift leader is responsible for maintaining control of the situation and calmly resolving the conflict. For this reason, strong interpersonal skills are a necessity when applying for the position of a shift leader.

Monetary Tasks

The position of a shift leader doesn't automatically constitute extensive hands-on hours with company budgets. However, if you apply for a shift leader position, be prepared to have involvement with company/store budgeting aspects. Common money-related tasks that often require input from shift leaders are profit and loss statements, cost control and store budgets. While these may seem like large tasks to be handed off to a shift leader, keep in mind that most shift leader positions require previous supervisory experience.

Company Procedures

All companies run their businesses differently. However, the one constant among all companies is the use of company procedures. Company procedures are standard routines that companies develop to handle and maintain situations, such as cash control, conflict resolution, merchandising and inventory controls. It is the responsibility of the shift leader to uphold all company procedures and to supervise all employees that are responsible for doing so.

Coordinate and Conduct Meetings

Shift leaders must schedule employee meetings. Additionally, before the meeting, the shift leader must gather and review the material to be discussed at the meeting. Typically, the company will appoint one shift leader to coordinate and gather materials for the meeting. However, it is not uncommon for each shift leader to have to contribute.