Site supervisors are found in a range of industries, from manufacturing to property management. The site supervisor is responsible for managing staff members, ensuring that procedures are followed, setting performance targets and communicating with managers. The primary responsibilities of a site supervisor are to make sure that work is completed on the site, to ensure compliance with company procedures and to create performance metrics.

Managing staff members is an important part of being a site supervisor. He or she is responsible for making hiring decisions, disciplining and mentoring staff members and providing training. The skills required include communication and problem solving. Many people find this aspect of a supervisor's job difficult to handle at first. There are a range of short courses and certificates that provide training on managing staff to assist with this transition.

The site supervisor needs to be familiar with the company's internal processes and procedures. He or she often is required to train staff members or adjust internal processes to meet government or safety requirements. Most people gain this level of expertise through work experience in the firm. Upon promotion to the role of site supervisor, he or she can recommend changes to the business process that will improve efficiency.

Performance targets are found in almost all industries. The site supervisor communicates the targets to staff members and works with the team to meet and exceed those goals. This can be done by making changes to business processes and by motivating staff members. One way this can be achieved is through a combination of positive reinforcement and the setting of a clear focus. The site supervisor can encourage staff members to exceed their previous performance output by working as a team.

It is the responsibility of the site supervisor to meet with managers on a regular basis. He or she communicates positive and negative information to managers and, in turn, shares information with the team. This information could include things such as strategic plans, long-term goals and concerns. The efficiency of this communication has an impact on staff morale and overall dedication to the firm.

The position of site supervisor is not an entry-level job. Most firms expect candidates to have some post-secondary education. This training can be in a specific technical skill or in business administration. Candidates usually have five to seven years of working experience and at least one year of supervising experience. This experience can be obtained either through professional work or as a volunteer.