what is a maintenance supervisor?

As a maintenance supervisor, you oversee the maintenance team's work to ensure they follow the company's procedures and regulations. The job also involves maintaining safety standards. To meet your goals, you're responsible for equipment operations, including the continued functioning of critical tools and machines.

Maintenance supervisors link the maintenance manager and team to the preventative maintenance schedule and planner. Your duties vary depending on the specific nature of the business. As part of your job description, you oversee all maintenance or repair work to ensure timely and safe completion.

You occupy a middle-management position in companies, leading and motivating your assigned team of workers. Successful maintenance supervisors know how to supervise others effectively to get the expected results. You should also ensure that all applicable government regulations and agency rules, like those set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), are followed to the letter.

Would working as a maintenance supervisor suit your troubleshooting and problem-solving skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a maintenance supervisor role.

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average maintenance supervisor salary

According to ONS, the average compensation package for a maintenance supervisor is £36,072 per year, which translates to £18.50 hourly. Entry-level jobs attract a salary of £31,929 annually, while experienced maintenance supervisors earn over £42,892 annually.

what influences the compensation package of a maintenance supervisor?

Your educational qualifications affect your earnings. Most employers pay more for additional qualifications like a bachelor's degree or master's. Extra qualifications improve your salary prospects and guarantee you an increased salary. For instance, if you have an HVAC (air conditioning) repair or a plumbing certification, you are likely to receive a higher salary than other maintenance supervisors.

Your experience as a maintenance supervisor also impacts your salary. The longer you work in a role, the more expertise you gain, which translates to higher average pay.

Smiling male sitting down and looking away.
Smiling male sitting down and looking away.
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types of maintenance supervisors

Some of the types of maintenance supervisors include:

  • facilities maintenance supervisor: you direct technicians in minor engineering and maintenance projects in a facility, which includes everything from electrical to mechanical and plumbing tasks. You also assign your team cleaning and small carpentry tasks as required.
  • public works maintenance supervisor: you lead a city's crew of road maintenance workers responsible for street sweeping and maintaining street surfaces, storm drains, and parking areas. You are also involved in traffic control maintenance and guiding new construction in the city.
  • building maintenance supervisor: your work involves directing a group of maintenance technicians in overseeing installations, repairs and other actions needed to maintain a commercial building. Be prepared to supervise the crew's day-to-day activities in and around the building under maintenance. You also communicate with the building users on essential points, such as upcoming maintenance work.
  • residential maintenance supervisor: you supervise and oversee the technicians of residential properties. Unlike a building maintenance supervisor, an residential maintenance supervisor carefully plans and schedules the work to avoid causing disturbance to occupants.
  • plant maintenance supervisor: these maintenance supervisors operate in a fully industrialised setting, and you require technical skills like maintaining the assets used at the plant to work in such an environment. Your main job is to supervise the team of technicians and ensure proper maintenance of complex equipment, tools and plant systems.
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working as a maintenance supervisor

Working as a maintenance supervisor involves troubleshooting problems and preventive maintenance in building systems. If this interests you, check out the specific tasks, work environments and job prospects.

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education and skills

Some of the educational qualifications for becoming a maintenance supervisor include the following:

  • university degree: to become a maintenance supervisor, complete an undergraduate or foundation degree in facilities management or building and services management. Some supervisors start as maintenance technicians or engineers with engineering degrees.
  • apprenticeship: apprenticeship programmes include facilities manager higher apprenticeship or facilities management supervisor advanced apprenticeship. These apprenticeship programmes prepare you for the role through coursework and on-the-job training.
  • certifications: as a maintenance supervisor, it helps to have additional certifications in building maintenance. For instance, you could complete certificates in plumbing, HVAC systems, and electrical repairs.

maintenance supervisor skills and competencies

Employers look for maintenance supervisors with the following skills:

  • technical knowledge: as a maintenance supervisor, you should have extensive knowledge of various tools and building systems. For instance, it is essential to understand how buildings' electrical and plumbing systems work and their required maintenance.
  • listening skills: the key to running an efficient maintenance team is good listening skills. Listening to your maintenance technicians helps you stay on top of maintenance operations. When you communicate well with your team members, they will be forthcoming with suggested solutions.
  • organisational skills: as a maintenance supervisor, you organise maintenance schedules and assign duties. It helps to have organisational skills to prioritise your workload, handle tasks and conduct maintenance on time.
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man looking away
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FAQs

 FAQs about working as a maintenance supervisor

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