what is a shift manager?
As a shift manager, you keep business operations running throughout the day. You supervise frontline operations by assigning tasks to employees and ensuring customer satisfaction during your shift. You also deal with customer complaints or low inventory issues to ensure they don't affect customer satisfaction.
Shift managers often work in 24/7 industries, where staffing is based on shift schedules. For instance, you can work in the hospitality industry to ensure efficient management of restaurants and hotels. You supervise front and back operations and ensure customers are served on time. In retail, you are likely to work in supermarkets and retail stores to ensure everything runs smoothly on the shop floors. You also handle inventory problems and troubleshoot glitches in technology. When you work in manufacturing, you help keep the production cycle moving.
To succeed in the role, you need exceptional time management skills and the ability to work in a busy work environment under high pressure. If you are involved with hiring and training, you need good decision-making skills to pick out the best employees for your shift.
Would working as a shift manager suit your time management and customer service skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a shift manager role.
shift manager jobsaverage shift manager salary
According to ONS, a shift manager receives an average salary of £34,562 per year or £17.72 hourly. Entry-level shift managers earn approximately £29,000 annually due to limited experience. When you have transferrable skills and a few years of experience, your earnings can increase to £44,329 per year.
Shift managers' salaries include medical insurance and transport allowance benefits. You also enjoy other benefits like paid holidays and annual bonuses. When you work overtime, you will earn higher hourly rates.
how to increase your salary as a shift manager
As a shift manager, your salary depends on your experience and education level. Experienced shift managers with multiple transferrable skills are valuable additions to a company and earn higher salaries. Your educational qualifications also influence your salary. Your compensation package reflects additional qualifications if you have extra certifications.
The industry and business sectors you work in affect your wages. For instance, your responsibilities are complex in the manufacturing and production industries. Hence, you earn higher than shift managers working in the hospitality and retail sectors. Consider switching to better-paying business sectors or moving to urban locations to improve your earnings. Cities with huge demands for shift managers have higher compensation packages than smaller towns.
types of shift managers
The types of shift managers depend on the industries they work in, including:
- retail shift managers: as a shift manager working in retail, you ensure smooth operations on shop floors. You handle customer complaints and deal with inventory issues. You also coordinate workers on the premises to ensure customers are attended to promptly.
- hospitality shift managers: in the hospitality industry, you work in restaurants and hotels managing staff. Besides coordinating hotel waiters, you also ensure the cooks and chefs are on schedule.
- manufacturing shift managers: as a shift manager, you manage workers on production floors by preparing work schedules and ensuring everyone performs their duties. You also manage the use of manufacturing equipment.
- warehouse shift managers: warehouses rely on shift managers to organise workers and ensure efficiency in operations. Your job is to assign duties to employees and ensure the warehouse equipment is used efficiently to achieve daily targets.
working as a shift manager
As a shift manager, you play a pivotal role in keeping the company's wheels turning. You align daily goals and operations with the number of employees. Read on to find out the responsibilities and work environment of a shift manager.
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work environment
A shift manager works in various industries, including manufacturing, retail and customer services. Hence, the work environment differs based on the business sector. Most shift managers work in indoor environments like hotels, production floors and supermarkets. You spend extended periods standing and walking around to address issues. You also spend some time working from a desk recording sales information or preparing work schedules. Shift manager work environments are usually fast-paced and high-pressure since you juggle multiple roles. In some environments like hotels or restaurants, you may need to wear a uniform, and you wear protective clothing in the manufacturing industry.
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who are your colleagues?
Whether you work in manufacturing or hospitality, your colleagues may include logistics managers, retail associates, store managers and maintenance managers. You also work in close proximity to hotel managers and housekeeping managers, as well as other specialists such as maintenance technicians, sales managers and accountants.
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work schedule
As a shift manager, you work over 40 hours a week. Since you work on a shift schedule, overtime hours are rare except during busy seasons like holidays. Most companies with shift managers operate 24/7. Sometimes you cover late-night shifts or early mornings. Your shift may also fall on public holidays or weekends. Part-time positions are rare, but remote work opportunities are available. For instance, if you work in customer service, you can manage customer support agents from home. However, remote work is impossible if you work in hotels and manufacturing facilities.
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job outlook
You join a shift manager role by pursuing job opportunities in your preferred field. For instance, start with entry-level positions in manufacturing plants or restaurants to become a shift manager. Progress to other management roles is dependent on your expertise. For instance, if you have a background in inventory management, you become a logistics or procurement manager. With experience in hotel work, it is easy to become a hotel shift manager.
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advantages of finding a shift manager job through randstad
Finding your shift manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a shift manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
shift manager education and skills
The following qualifications help you to become a shift manager:
- bachelor's degree: you should pursue a bachelor's degree in hospitality, business management or administration to become a shift manager. The degree prepares you for success in supervision, accounting and scheduling. A degree in a related field like engineering or plant operations is sometimes required. Some employers don't require formal education qualifications if you have years of experience.
- work experience: work experience in a related field prepares you for your role. For instance, you can start with internships in hotels or production companies. Alternatively, join entry-level roles to gain skills for working in the field.
shift manager skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a shift manager include:
- organisation skills: as a shift manager, you handle multiple tasks, from inventory management to scheduling roles. Without proper planning, you will not accomplish most of your responsibilities. You need organisational skills to manage all tasks.
- management skills: your primary duty is to manage staff and business operations throughout your shift. Hence, you need knowledge of management practices to ensure you achieve set goals. Management skills help you plan your time and deal with conflicts.
- computing skills: as a shift manager, you use computer software to manage inventory and schedule staff. Computing skills help you perform duties that require the use of computers.
- communication skills: shift managers need great communication skills to communicate with various stakeholders in the business effectively. You need to communicate with staff to provide clear instructions. Communication skills also help you handle complaints professionally.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a shift manager
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is a shift manager a supervisor?
Yes. A shift manager performs a supervisory role by managing workers of a particular shift. You ensure the work activities of the shift are accomplished. Want to learn more about working as a shift manager? Then check out this article.
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what are the requirements to be a shift manager?
You need a bachelor's degree in business management or a related subject to join the role. You should also gain some work experience in the business sector. Want to learn more about working as a shift manager? Then check out this article.
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is a shift leader a manager?
A shift leader is a manager since they control and direct the resources of a particular shift, including employees and inventory. Want to learn more about working as a shift manager? Then check out this article.
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what is the difference between a shift leader and a shift manager?
A shift manager runs a shift and is responsible for everything that happens during the shift. A shift leader mostly focuses on employee schedules and duties. Want to learn more about working as a shift manager? Then check out this article.
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what is the role of a shift manager?
A shift manager ensures the smooth running of business operations on a hotel or production floor. They assign duties and manage inventory. Want to learn more about working as a shift manager? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a shift manager vacancy?
Applying for a shift manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our shift manager job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
