Shift Runner Job Description

Shift Exchanges in Retail and Other Location

A shift leader is responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work areand checking equipment at work. During shift exchanges, leaders look over all equipment for safety. The shift leader in retail often begins by inspecting equipment and supplies to make sure workers can complete their tasks and customer orders.

The leader coordinates with store managers to fix equipment that breaks. A shift leader is often in charge of many people. Shift leaders often assign roles to each worker and take on production roles of their own.

Shift leaders assign workers to various roles, but they also get involved in customer sales and service. Shift leaders in a fast food restaurant can take orders during busy times, but they can't serve food during downtime. Shift leaders can work by themselves or with one or two other employees in convenience stores.

Shift Supervisors in Retail

The leader in making decisions is a key difference between a shift crew worker and a supervisor. A key competency that distinguishes you from your peers is confident, assertive decision-making. Shift leaders make decisions on how to overcome equipment problems.

In retail, you have to make quick decisions to satisfy customers or fix problems related to merchandising, technology and pricing. Communication skills are required in any leadership role, and you need to listen to employee needs and concerns. You communicate with customers in a service environment.

Retail shift supervisors are often in charge of sales and service. Shift supervisors have to be able to articulate ideas and listen to others in order to collaborate with other managers. Organization and precision are two key shift leader skills that come into play at businesses where record-keeping, maintaining supply inventories or coordinating functional processes are necessary.

Restaurant Shift Leaders

If you're looking for a job that requires you to sit at a desk all day, it's not likely you'll be able to survive as a restaurant shift leader. Running an eatery requires a lot of thinking and a lot of endurance. You will need to be willing to work hours that are not ideal.

Shift leaders must be able to communicate effectively with their customers if they work the front of the house. Food service managers need to have the ability to address customer complaints while on duty. If you have a short temper and poor customer service skills, you probably wouldn't be a good restaurant shift manager.

Shift leaders are often charged with monitoring stock levels and placing orders for replenishment. They need to be able to source quality ingredients at low prices. Any ingredients that have to be thrown out at the end of the day can be very bad for a restaurant.

A degree in business administration, or food service management, is helpful for food service managers who don't have a college degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that some education after high school is preferred. Candidates who graduated from high school are usually looked for by restaurant owners.