sub-boss

plural sub-bosses

1. A lower-level boss subordinate to another boss; a foreman or other junior supervisor.

   there is no employer but will offer him a better position as sub-boss, or foreman

   1906, Peter Madsen Kling, Why a Boy Should Learn a Trade: The Workman as a Citizen, Reward for Skill and Energy, Pittsburgh: Press of P. F. Smith, page 127

   2 more examples

   Use sub-bosses. They will justify their hire even with a gang of only four or five men.

   1909 August 14, W. L. Fleming, “Handling Miners under the Wage System”, in The Engineering and Mining Journal, volume 88, number 7, page 319

   These women and girls are employed by a sub-boss, not directly by the mine company.

   1911 February 28, Sen Katayama, “The Japanese Miners”, in International Socialist Review, volume 11, number 8, page 482

2. video gamesA minor or secondary boss encountered before or in addition to a more important boss; a miniboss.

   A Sub-Boss guards the exit from the lower-right hand of the cavern map.

   1997 September 29, EGM2, volume 4, number 39, Ziff Davis

   2 more examples

   The Sub-Boss isn't a complicated monster. It has big claws and that's about it.

   2004, Jeff Barton, Mario De Govia, and Michael Littlefield, Champions of Norrath: Prima's Official Strategy Guide, Prima Games, →ISBN, page 117

   Trejo is a sub-boss, and later, a boss character, so expect a tough go with him.

   2004, Dan Irish, Def Jam: Fight for NY: Prima Official Game Guide, Prima Games, →ISBN, page 92