A line manager is an employee who directly manages other employees and day-to-day operations while reporting to a higher-ranking manager. In some retail businesses, they may have titles such as head cashier or department supervisor.[2][3][4][5] Related job titles are supervisor, section leader, foreperson, office manager and team leader.[1] They are charged with directing employees and controlling that the corporate objectives in a specific functional area or line of business are met.[1]
Despite the name, line managers are usually considered as part of the organization's workforce and not part of its management class.
Line managers are tasked with implementing organizational policies through direct supervision of staff and ensuring alignment with business objectives and core values.
Setting and communicating objectives and priorities
Allocating and managing resources (e.g., staff time, budgets)
Ensuring compliance with internal policies and legal requirements
Providing leadership and operational direction
Conducting regular meetings with team members
Line management also plays a role in facilitating organizational change, often in collaboration with senior management.[6] Additionally, line managers are increasingly involved in functions traditionally managed by specialized departments, such as human resources, finance, and risk management. In many organizations, line managers are directly responsible for operational risk and the implementation of HR policies.[7][8][9]