Becoming a Maintenance Supervisor: Job Description, Skills, and Responsibilities 

If you are organized and mechanically inclined, you might pursue a lucrative career as a maintenance supervisor. Maintenance supervisors inspect facilities and assets to identify potential issues, develop and implement preventive maintenance procedures, repair faulty equipment, and ensure heating and plumbing systems function effectively. 

What Is a Maintenance Supervisor? 

A maintenance supervisor manages a team of maintenance technicians, mechanics, and other maintenance workers. Maintenance supervisors are middle managers, serving as a bridge between senior management and the maintenance personnel.

They may work in plants, other commercial buildings, or large residential buildings. Although their duties vary slightly depending on the industry and size of the organization, they coordinate the installation, maintenance, and repair work in buildings. 

What Are the Responsibilities of a Maintenance Supervisor? 

Generally, a maintenance supervisor will have several responsibilities, including: 

• Inspect facilities and determine potential issues and the maintenance required 
• Prepare weekly maintenance schedules and allocate staff support to each task 
• Recruit, train, and supervise maintenance technicians and mechanics 
• Oversee repairs and maintenance to ensure accurate and timely completion 
• Ensure proper recordkeeping of repairs and maintenance 
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations 
• Communicate information from senior management, such as policies and procedures, to maintenance staff 
• Communicate concerns, needs, and challenges of the maintenance staff to senior management 
• Help develop a preventive maintenance plan and ensure it is carried out effectively 
• Conduct inspections as necessary 
• Work with outside vendors and contractors to ensure work is completed on time and within budget 
• Maintain inventory and equipment 
• Recommend overhauls, upgrades, or purchases of new equipment 
• Contribute to the preparation of the maintenance budget and to staying within the budget 
• Actively participate in projects and day-to-day maintenance work as necessary 
• Ensure the premises are safe 

What Education Do You Need to Be a Maintenance Supervisor? 

A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for maintenance supervisors. However, many companies want the successful applicant to have a bachelor’s degree from a college or an associate’s degree from a vocational school. 

Certifications are also necessary. BOMI, an independent institute for property and facility management education, offers a Building Systems Maintenance Certificate. The certificate teaches the management of critical building systems, such as HVAC, water, and energy control.

The Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals provides two courses: the Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) and the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT). 

What Skills Does a Maintenance Supervisor Need? 

A maintenance supervisor needs both technical (hard) skills and soft skills. Soft skills are personal attributes that enable them to work well with people and manage processes. 

Soft Skills 

A maintenance supervisor needs the following interpersonal skills: 

• An ability to plan and organize 
• Excellent communication skills, including diplomacy and tact, to effectively communicate upward to senior management and downward to their team. 
• Excellent leadership skills, including understanding when and how to delegate and resolve conflicts. 
• Emotional intelligence to improve their workers’ morale when necessary and to stay calm in a crisis. 
• An eye for detail to help them carefully inspect work and ensure compliance. 
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills. 

Hard skills 

Maintenance supervisors also need technical skills to succeed. Most will have at least two years as a maintenance team member before being promoted to maintenance supervisor. They’ll also need the following: 

• An understanding of all the systems within the facility well enough to train and supervise the work of others. 
• They must be able to use general office and preventative maintenance software, inventory management software, and mobile apps, generally as part of a CMMS software suite. 
• Excellent knowledge of relevant safety regulations. 

Getting a Job as a Maintenance Supervisor

Maintenance supervisors, like all technicians, must prove their qualifications before starting. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job description and be ready to demonstrate your suitability during the application process based on the following:

• Technical skills and knowledge: Showcase your hands-on experience with equipment, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. Employers value candidates who can prove that they understand building systems and their required maintenance.
• Leadership skills: As a supervisor, you’ll manage and oversee a team of maintenance workers. Highlight your ability to train staff, manage shifts, and encourage your team’s performance. Providing examples of past leadership roles can put you in a better position.
• Organizational skills: Highlight your experience in creating maintenance schedules, managing resources, and meeting deadlines. Be ready to discuss how you have optimized processes or improved efficiency in previous roles.
• Problem-solving skills: Supervisors often troubleshoot issues that technicians cannot resolve. Be prepared to explain how you approach challenges and give examples of situations where you successfully solved complex problems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: It will be your job to clearly convey instructions, listen to your team’s concerns, and facilitate effective collaboration. So, mention experiences where you facilitated workplace communication.
• Relevant certifications: Certifications such as OSHA or key membership in a professional service association can set you apart. If you have any industry-recognized certifications that align with the job requirements, make sure you mention them on your resume or during an interview.

You typically don’t need a specific apprenticeship to become a maintenance supervisor, but a background in skilled trades can strengthen your resume by showcasing your understanding of building systems.

Why Should You Become a Maintenance Supervisor? 

If you love working with your hands and have an aptitude for machinery, consider a career as a maintenance supervisor. The job outlook for all maintenance positions is excellent, and the average salary ranges from $52,000 to about $92,000 annually.

Many maintenance supervisor jobs also come with great benefits packages that include health and life insurance, a 401K, paid vacations, flexible schedules, and profit sharing. 

Where Can Maintenance Supervisors Be Employed? 

Many industries employ maintenance supervisors to manage their facilities, machinery, and equipment. For example, industrial facilities use plant maintenance supervisors to ensure their equipment operates appropriately so that the plant can meet its deadlines and make a quality product.

Apartment maintenance supervisors will manage technicians who maintain and repair electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems to keep tenants safe. Building maintenance supervisors will supervise commercial buildings and equipment maintenance and repair. 

The Different Types of Maintenance Supervisors

Hotel Maintenance Supervisor

A hotel maintenance supervisor oversees the maintenance operations at a hotel to prevent downtime that could compromise guest comfort and safety. Maintenance activities usually include repairing air conditioning units, electrical systems, and HVAC systems.

Facilities Maintenance Supervisor

A facilities maintenance supervisor manages the smooth operation of building systems across offices, factories, or public spaces. Their work involves organizing repairs, coordinating with contractors, and maintaining consistent equipment uptime. Hotel maintenance supervisors are also facilities maintenance supervisors, so many of their responsibilities will overlap. The key differences vary based on the type of facility you work at.

Industrial Maintenance Supervisor

An industrial maintenance supervisor focuses on manufacturing equipment. However, they may work with machinery and equipment across multiple industrial environments rather than one specific plant. They will also be highly focused on the equipment and not other maintenance tasks throughout the building.

HVAC Maintenance Supervisor

An HVAC maintenance supervisor oversees the upkeep and performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They manage regular servicing and repairs so that the facility can enjoy consistent climate control and energy efficiency.

Property Maintenance Supervisor

Property maintenance supervisors are responsible for keeping residential and commercial buildings in good condition. They oversee repairs and preventative maintenance activities for plumbing, landscaping, and structural components. They often collaborate with property managers to prioritize tasks and support the building’s long-term property value.

Fleet Maintenance Supervisor

Logistics companies will hire fleet maintenance supervisors to oversee their vehicles. They organize routine servicing and address mechanical issues to prevent costly breakdowns. Their responsibilities also include monitoring vehicle performance and ensuring adherence to safety standards. 

Plant Maintenance Supervisor

A plant maintenance supervisor oversees equipment maintenance and other building systems in a manufacturing or processing plant. Their work focuses on coordinating repairs, scheduling preventive maintenance, and keeping machinery in good working condition. 

Public Works Maintenance Supervisor

A public works maintenance supervisor manages the upkeep of public infrastructure, such as roads, parks, and water systems. They organize maintenance schedules, supervise crews, and address urgent repairs to keep public spaces functional and safe.

Career Path of a Maintenance Supervisor 

Maintenance supervisors often begin as maintenance technicians, gaining hands-on experience and developing technical expertise. This role helps refine problem-solving and leadership skills essential for advancement. It’s also an ideal time to pursue certifications in safety, equipment management, or specialized systems. With experience, supervisors can progress to maintenance manager roles.

Work With a Trusted Partner 

Wherever you work as a maintenance supervisor, you can partner with ServiceChannel. ServiceChannel makes obtaining operational excellence easier by helping you proactively manage the facility, equipment, and systems.

ServiceChannel serves maintenance leaders in several industries, including retail and luxury retail, grocery stores, financial services, restaurants, and spas and fitness centers. ServiceChannel’s Provider Marketplace provides comprehensive services, including coordinating work orders and managing relationships. Explore our marketplace today.