Learn about the important requirements, obligations, responsibilities, and skills that should be in a team leader job description.
A team leader oversees a group of employees by supervising their job performance and helping them achieve their goals. Being a team leader requires specific characteristics to lead effectively, which is a necessary skill to succeed in the role. They can also think creatively, foster collaboration, and create a positive work environment.
Do you need to hire a team leader? Good news - you can post your first job opening to ZipRecruiter for free! If you want to post your listing in a few different places, you can also check out our guide to the top job posting sites.
Team Leader Job Description Template
We’re looking for a team leader to oversee a team of employees and provide guidance, instruction, and constructive criticism. This leader will create a well-functioning team and encourage employees to perform their best, increasing productivity and positive outcomes for the company.
Our ideal candidate has prior leadership experience with small or large teams. We value remote and in-person work, so being capable of leading in either environment is a bonus. Strong applicants will have practical communication skills, an empathic leadership style, and a goal-achieving mindset.
Team Leader Responsibilities
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Oversee employee workday responsibilities
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Work with employees to create measurable goals and regularly monitor them
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Conduct yearly performance reviews, or more frequently if needed
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Foster collaboration between team members
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Onboard new employees and monitor them through a trial period
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Host training to enhance employee’s professional knowledge
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Hold regular team meetings and one-on-one meetings with employees
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Delegating tasks appropriately to team members
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Identifying team member strengths and working with them to improve their performance
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Advocating for employee needs
Team Leader Requirements
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A minimum of a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
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A Bachelor's degree in a related field such as management is a bonus
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Prior experience leading teams either in-person or remotely
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Strong project management skills
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Able to navigate technology and operate computer programs
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Experience training employees
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Strong written and verbal communication skills
Team Leader Duties and Responsibilities
Let’s explore the duties and responsibilities of a team leader in more depth.
Work with employees to create measurable goals and regularly monitor them
Every project a team works on will have expected deliverables and outcomes. However, a team leader’s responsibility is to determine what goals will work best with the company’s expectations and for the team’s strengths. A good team leader will track progress, update regularly, and produce metric reports. They should also actively monitor employees’ level of burnout to prevent it, if possible.
Oversee employee workday responsibilities
Team leaders are expected to manage the day-to-day functioning of a group, especially when it comes to completing their regular responsibilities. If a team member’s productivity isn’t up to par, the leader should meet with them regularly until it is back on track. Good communication skills and being understanding and fair are helpful for this responsibility.
Advocating for employee needs
It’s important to remember that team leaders most likely aren’t the owner or CEO of a company. They may have to attend leadership meetings to report team progress, so they should be able to advocate for their employees if there is a problem or a need. They also regularly report to their supervisors.
Conduct yearly performance reviews, or more frequently if needed
Each year, a team leader will be expected to conduct performance reviews. If required, they happen more regularly. These are usually 30-minute to one-hour-long meetings where an employee’s performance throughout the year is discussed, along with the potential for a bonus, raise, or change in position.
Foster collaboration between team members
Team leaders don’t just act as the organizational head of a group of employees. They also have to ensure that a team works well together and that everyone feels welcome and valued. Successful team leaders encourage their team members, recognize their strengths, and monitor their weaknesses.
Team Leader Salary And Job Outlook
Median National Salary: $52,636
Education Required: High school diploma or GED; Bachelor’s degree is often preferred
Number of Jobs: 348,100
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 7%
The Bottom Line
Team leaders work with employees to help coordinate and manage their responsibilities, set goals, and improve the overall function of a team. They should be able to lead effectively and compassionately, paying close attention to their team’s needs, strengths, and weaknesses.
Whether you’re hiring for this position or looking for a job as a team leader, check out our list of the best free job posting sites for ideas. Post your team leader job description on ZipRecruiter today!
