Line manager (or first-line manager) is someone who is directly managing other people within the team. Line managers are the lowest, base level of management, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the team and reporting to higher levels of management in the company. The role of a line manager is very important for business operations to run smoothly.
- Coordinates day-to-day activities and routines
- Typically, a line manager will be one position above the employees they manage.
- Line management becomes more proficient in tactical human resource functions.
- The role they perform is incredibly important in the running of operations in a business – giving more junior members of staff the guidance they need, and providing them with a link to those in more senior roles.
- They may also be known as supervisors, or team leaders (depending on the company).
They will carry out additional responsibilities like overseeing their team’s day-to-day tasks but will often work on similar tasks and projects as those they line manage too.
Line manager responsibilities
Management of activities, tasks and approval of requirements
- Managing a team of employees
- Managing holiday approvals
- Managing requests of the team
Workforce Performance & Development Management
- Conducting employee performance appraisals
- Maintains a consistent approach to performance management
- Identifying gaps in knowledge and arranging training opportunities
- Training staff, and planning out their development
Onboarding & New Workforce Adaptation
- Leading new team members through an adaptation process
- Hiring and interviewing new team members, inducting new members of the team
Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
- Resolving issues between employees or issues between employees and their managers
- Facilitates positive working relationship between employees
- Mediating differences between staff
- Document their employment actions and decisions appropriately and according to company policy
Staffing
- Line managers usually determine the skills and qualifications required for seamless operation of department functions
- Line managers review the job description for accuracy and completeness (vacancy)
- During the recruitment and selection process, HR advises line managers on how to identify qualified candidates
- Assess existing department staff capabilities
Workforce Strategy
- Cooperate with HR department on future staffing needs
- Determine whether to train current employees to prepare them for promotion or to recruit candidates with higher level skills to augment the current employee knowledge base
- Succession planning and adequate staffing
Other Line Management Responsibilities
- Ensuring their team hit their targets
- Mentoring or coaching team members
- Coaching and mentoring their team members
- Reporting to senior leaders with regards to team and individual performance
- Overseeing budget for training and work equipment
- Leading team meetings
- Communicating business changes and top management decisions