Floor manager jobs often entail numerous responsibilities in a host of environments. Some functions, such as increasing sales and providing customer service, may be general duties. Other tasks, however, are likely to relate to the specific industry. In television, the floor manager is often a link between the director and cast members, while museum floor managers are likely to direct educational programs. Retail and restaurant floor managers may supervise staff and provide customer service, while trading floor managers are likely to oversee stock exchanges.
The floor manager is often a member of upper management who provides leadership and direction to subordinates. This position is likely to have public visibility and provide extensive customer service. A classic floor manager job description may require candidates to maintain efficient and effective operations for positive customer relations. Specific functions may include training associates, boosting sales volumes and serving as a public ambassador for the company.
A number of industries throughout the world are likely to require the skills provided by floor managers. In television, the floor manager often directs production activities within the filming area. He or she is likely to serve as the link between director and floor cast members. Such members often include regular presenters, guests and audience participants. Additional tasks may include ensuring all stage equipment and props are situated, cuing the guests and briefing presenters for upcoming segments.
A four-year degree in broadcast production is likely to help people prepare for floor manager jobs in television. These positions are, however, often considered senior-level because of the responsibilities entailed. Practical experience is thus often required, and many managers are promoted from entry- or mid-level positions.
Museums often sponsor a number of annual cultural events for patrons and citizens. In some instances, these events raise funds for the museum, while others are designed to educate people and spark museum interest. Floor manager jobs in such capacities often coordinate volunteers, staff members and community leaders to promote such events. These positions are further likely to organize educational information and provide guided tours. Floor managers may also plan new exhibits and black-tie events within the museum, as well as work with educators and other groups to bring traveling exhibits to the museum.
Day-to-day functions of museum floor managers may include contracting with outside vendors for repairs, ensuring all exhibits and floor areas are well-maintained and responding to concerns or potential problems. Floor managers may also suggest display improvements to enhance creativity and visual appeal. Common activities include recruiting volunteers, developing educational programs and assisting visitors. Educational backgrounds in history, music, museum education or other pertinent fields may provide the foundation for museum floor manager positions.
Retail stores often employ a number of managers who interact with and support each other. Floor manager jobs of this nature often supervise teams of sales associates to ensure customer service and execution of visual standards. These positions may also oversee and authorize cash register transactions, provide information to customers on product features and maintain sales performance by upholding store guidelines. Retail floor managers often mentor associates and are likely to be promoted from within the company.
In some instances, floor manager jobs entail public activities as well as back-office operations. These functions are likely to reflect in restaurant positions, in which the floor manager may spend considerable time communicating with the hostess and servers and also developing new programs to draw customers. Floor manager job duties in this instance may include focusing on floor service standards and guest relations, closing the restaurant and bar at night and training new employees. This position may also coach existing servers, forecast food and beverage sales and maintain payroll budgets. Previous floor supervisory experience and knowledge of the food and beverage industry may be essential to earning such a job.
Stock exchange and financial investment offices may offer additional opportunities for floor managers. In these environments, the floor refers to the place where commodity trades occur. Professionals in these positions often oversee the execution of securities orders, research and resolve problems that may occur during the trading process and monitor business volumes to deliver timely orders. Trading floor manager jobs often require four-year degrees in finance or business with a strong understanding of national and international stock markets.