How to Be Repair Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 4, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Repair supervisors are responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair of various machines and equipment in the workplace. This is an important role, as it helps to ensure that all machinery is working properly and safely. A repair supervisor's role can have a direct effect on the productivity of the workplace, as well as the safety of workers.

By ensuring that all machines are in good working order, they can ensure that machines are more efficient, reducing downtime and increasing output. Furthermore, machines that are properly maintained are less likely to malfunction, reducing the potential risk of injury to workers.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require repair supervisors to have at least a high school diploma or GED. It is important to take classes in math and science, which will be beneficial for the job.
Obtain Vocational Training. Obtaining a vocational certificate or associate's degree in a field related to repair and maintenance can help an individual stand out from other applicants. Such training can include instruction in electronics, mechanics, engineering technology, and more.
Gain Experience. Most employers require repair supervisors to have previous experience in the industry. This can include working as a technician, a mechanic, or any other type of repair position.
Obtain Supervisory Training. Many employers prefer or require their repair supervisors to have some type of supervisory training. This training can include courses in management, conflict resolution, and problem solving.
Get Certified. Many employers prefer or require their repair supervisors to have some type of certification or license. Depending on the type of organization, this could include certifications related to specific types of equipment, such as HVAC systems or electronics.

Repair supervisors must stay ahead and capable to ensure successful completion of repair projects. To do this, they should stay organized, set reasonable goals, and develop strong communication skills. Being organized will help them to prioritize tasks and make sure that projects are completed on time.

Setting reasonable goals can help to ensure that the repairs are done to the highest standard and with minimal costs. Finally, developing strong communication skills is essential for repair supervisors to effectively coordinate with other staff, vendors, and customers to ensure successful project completion. By following these steps, repair supervisors can stay ahead and capable to ensure successful completion of repair projects.

You may want to check Repair Technician, Repair Coordinator, and Repair Foreman for alternative.

Job Description

Inspect machinery and equipment to determine the nature and extent of repair work needed.
Diagnose mechanical problems and determine how to correct them, checking blueprints, repair manuals, and parts catalogs as necessary.
Dismantle, assemble, and/or adjust machinery and equipment as necessary.
Perform preventive maintenance procedures, such as cleaning and lubricating parts.
Repair or replace defective parts, using hand tools and power tools as necessary.
Test repaired machinery and equipment to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers specifications.
Monitor inventories of repair parts and order new parts as needed.
Maintain accurate records of repairs or maintenance performed.
Contact outside vendors to obtain needed parts or services.
Train new technicians in repair techniques and safety procedures.
Provide technical guidance to technicians and other personnel.
Ensure that all repairs are completed in a timely manner and within company guidelines.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong technical knowledge and experience in repairing electrical, mechanical and/or electronic systems.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose equipment malfunctions accurately.
Proven experience in managing teams of technicians and ensuring high standards of work.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams and schematics.
Ability to develop and implement preventative maintenance plans.
Knowledge of safety regulations and standards.
Proficient with computers and relevant software programs.
Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines.
Ability to use diagnostic tools and equipment.

Being a Repair Supervisor requires a number of important skills, including strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Having strong leadership skills is essential for a Repair Supervisor to effectively manage the team, delegate tasks, and ensure that all repair operations are running efficiently. Communication skills are also essential for a Repair Supervisor to be able to communicate clearly with clients, repair technicians, and other stakeholders.

Problem-solving skills are also important for a Repair Supervisor in order to quickly identify and resolve issues that arise during the repair process. Finally, technical expertise is essential for a Repair Supervisor to understand the repair procedures and have the ability to troubleshoot any technical issues. Without these skills, the Repair Supervisor would be unable to successfully manage their team and ensure the success of the repair operations.

Automotive Repair Technician, Repair Inspector, and Fleet Maintenance and Repair Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Repair Supervisor?
How would you handle a situation when a repair job is taking longer than expected?
What strategies would you employ to ensure customer satisfaction with the repair services provided?
Describe how you manage and motivate staff in the repair department.
How do you ensure accuracy and quality in repair work?
What techniques do you use to troubleshoot and diagnose repair problems?
What safety protocols do you follow when performing repairs?
How do you keep up to date on the latest trends in repair technology?
How do you handle difficult customers who are unhappy with the repair work?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision regarding a repair job.

Common Tools in Industry

Screwdriver. A hand tool used to turn screws. (eg: Phillips head screwdriver)
Hammer. A tool used to drive nails or break apart objects. (eg: Claw hammer)
Wrench. A tool used to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. (eg: Crescent wrench)
Pliers. A tool used to grip, turn, or cut small objects. (eg: Needle nose pliers)
Socket Set. A set of sockets and drive tools used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. (eg: Metric socket set)
Drill. A power tool used to make holes in materials. (eg: Cordless drill)
Saw. A tool used to cut through materials. (eg: Circular saw)
Ruler. A tool used to measure distances and angles. (eg: 12-inch ruler)
Level. A tool used to check for horizontal or vertical alignment. (eg: Magnetic level)
Tape Measure. A tool used to measure distances in inches or centimeters. (eg: 25-foot tape measure)

Professional Organizations to Know

Automotive Service Association (ASA)
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA)
Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (AMRA)
Automotive Parts and Services Association (APSA)
Automotive Lift Institute (ALI)
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)
International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC)

We also have Small Engine Repair Technician, Pool and Spa Repair Technician, and Aircraft Electronics and Avionics Equipment Installer and Repairer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Repair Technician. A professional who is trained to diagnose and repair equipment and machinery.
Troubleshooting. The process of diagnosing and resolving problems with a product or system.
Maintenance. The act of performing routine upkeep and repairs to ensure that a product or system is functioning properly.
Quality Control. A set of procedures and processes that are used to ensure that products and services meet a certain level of quality.
Safety Procedures. Guidelines for performing specific tasks in a safe manner.
Equipment Inventory. A list of equipment, tools, and materials used in a repair process.
Customer Service. The provision of assistance, guidance, and support to customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the duties of a Repair Supervisor?

The duties of a Repair Supervisor include overseeing repair technicians, ensuring that repairs are completed correctly and efficiently, and maintaining accurate records of repair activities. They may also be responsible for ordering repair parts and supplies, scheduling maintenance and repair work, and evaluating employee performance.

How many years of experience do you need to become a Repair Supervisor?

To become a Repair Supervisor, it is typically necessary to have at least 5 years of experience in a repair-related field. Experience working in a supervisory role is also preferred.

What qualifications are required to become a Repair Supervisor?

To become a Repair Supervisor, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, certifications such as HVAC certification or an EPA certification may be beneficial.

What type of salary can a Repair Supervisor expect to earn?

The average salary for a Repair Supervisor is around $55,000 per year. Salary can vary depending on experience, location, and the size of the company.

What skills are necessary to be a successful Repair Supervisor?

To be a successful Repair Supervisor, you must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as strong technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. You must also be able to work well with others, remain calm under pressure, and keep accurate records.