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What does a Shift Leader do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A shift leader is responsible for the overall operation of a particular shift. This may include supervising employees, handling customer complaints, and ensuring that all safety procedures are followed.

Shift Leader job duties include:

  • Assign tasks to crew members
  • Train new crew members
  • Monitor crew performance
  • Resolve conflicts among crew members
  • Ensure quality control of products and services
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of work area
  • Monitor inventory levels and place orders as necessary
  • Prepare work schedules
  • Keep track of employee hours worked

Shift Leader Job Requirements

A shift leader is responsible for supervising a group of employees during a shift. They may be responsible for training new employees, scheduling breaks, and handling customer complaints. A shift leader may be required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, such as a certificate or associate's degree. Shift leaders typically have several years of experience in the same or similar position.

Shift Leader Skills

  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Customer service
  • Conflict resolution
  • Prioritizing
  • Delegating
  • Teamwork
  • Flexibility
  • Problem solving
  • Multi-tasking

Related: Top Shift Leader Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Shift Leader

The first step to becoming a shift leader is to have the necessary qualifications. To be a shift leader, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also have at least one year of experience working in a customer service environment.

Once you have the necessary qualifications, the next step is to complete a training program. Many companies offer shift leader training programs, so you will need to check with your employer to see if they offer one. If not, there are many online programs that you can complete.

After completing a training program, the next step is to shadow a current shift leader. This will give you the opportunity to see what the job entails and to ask any questions that you may have.

Once you have shadowed a shift leader and feel comfortable with the role, the next step is to apply for an open position. Many companies post open positions on their website, so be sure to check there first. You can also check job boards and online job sites.

When applying for a shift leader position, be sure to highlight your customer service experience and your leadership skills. If you have completed a training program, be sure to mention that as well.

If you are offered a position as a shift leader, be sure to thank the person who offered it to you and confirm that you accept the position. Once you start in your new role, take some time to learn the ropes and get comfortable with your new responsibilities. After awhile, leading your team will become second nature!

Related: Shift Leader Resume Example

Related: Shift Leader Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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