Postmaster and Mail Superintendent Career Profile

Picture this: A dynamic leader coordinating the intricate flow of thousands of pieces of mail through a busy post office facility, ensuring every letter and package reaches its destination while managing a team of postal workers and maintaining high service standards.

Think about the last time you visited a post office. The person ultimately responsible for ensuring that facility runs smoothly, from customer service to mail processing to delivery operations, is the postmaster or mail superintendent. These professionals serve as the backbone of mail processing and delivery operations, combining administrative expertise with operational management.

A Postmaster and Mail Superintendent plans, directs, or coordinates operational, administrative, management, and support services of a U.S. post office; or coordinates activities of workers engaged in postal and related work in assigned post office.

Total Employment: 13,810 (2023)

Common Names for Postmaster and Mail Superintendent

• Delivery Supervisor
• Distribution Operation Supervisor (SDO)
• Distribution Operations Manager
• Distribution Operations Supervisor
• Mail Delivery Supervisor
• Postal Supervisor 
• Postmaster
• Postmaster Relief (PMR)
• Remote Encoding Center Manager
• Remote Encoding Operations Supervisor

What Postmasters and Mail Superintendents Do

• Operations Management: Oversees daily postal facility operations to ensure efficient mail processing, timely delivery, and compliance with postal regulations while maintaining service standards.
• Staff Supervision: Directs, trains, and evaluates postal workers and support staff to maintain operational efficiency, ensure proper mail handling procedures, and provide quality customer service.
• Budget Administration: Manages facility budgets, controls expenses, and monitors revenue generation through postal services to maintain financial sustainability and meet organizational targets.
• Safety & Security: Implements and enforces security protocols for mail handling, facility access, and employee safety to protect postal items, prevent theft, and ensure workplace safety compliance.
• Customer Service Leadership: Resolves complex customer issues, handles service complaints, and ensures high-quality customer experience to maintain public trust and satisfaction with postal services.
• Compliance Oversight: Ensures adherence to postal regulations, federal laws, and organizational policies to maintain legal compliance and service integrity.
• Resource Planning: Coordinates staffing schedules, equipment maintenance, and supply management to maintain continuous operations and meet fluctuating mail volumes.
• Quality Control: Monitors mail processing accuracy, delivery performance, and service metrics to maintain high operational standards and identify areas for improvement.