Administrative Managers
Administrative managers ensure that the administrative support team operates efficiently. In order to meet objectives an administrative manager plans, coordinates and organizes employees' activities. Implementing new company policies is part of the occupation. Administrative managers are employed in virtually all industries.
Effective administrative managers know the strength and weaknesses of staff members, the time required to complete tasks and the results that are required. They ensure the work meets established quality standards. Those in administrative management also provide deadlines to their staff members.
A good administrative manager might improve procedures and delete outdated practices. Those in administrative management need to inform higher level managers when newly implemented procedures are not working effectively.
Administrative managers along with financial, production, purchasing and marketing managers are regarded as functional managers. Administrative services manager is a popular job title. Administrative services managers oversee the numerous support services that help a company or organization operate efficiently.
Administrative managers often act as a liaison between administrative staff and managerial staff members. They also keep upper management informed of their progress and any problems they need assistance or advice to solve. They typically provide upper management with progress reports.
If the company is unionized they must have a thorough understanding of the labor management agreements and they might meet with union representatives to talk about work problems or grievances.
Responsibilities
- Resolve conflicts that occur among staff members
- Review the work of staff personnel
- Manage quality and cost control
- Evaluate every workers' performance
- Collect, adapt, store and distribute information within a company
- Interview and evaluate job candidates
- Provide orientation to new employees
- Provide training to new workers, such as training with the company's computer system
- Offer training for new software and office equipment to experienced employees
- Restructure workflow
Job Characteristics
Most administrative managers work 40 hours per week, however some companies operate around the clock, thus some managers might have to work nights, weekends and holidays. Good communication, organizational, motivational, time management and interpersonal skills are important for the job. An administrative manager should be detailed oriented, have effective coaching and leadership abilities and have good problem solving skills.
Employment Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2006 to 2016 employment is expected to grow by 6% for office and administrative support supervisors and managers, which is slower than average for all occupations. The demand for office and administrative support supervisors and managers is primarily determined by the demand for administrative support employees. In addition, organizational restructuring might lower the demand for some managerial jobs and give more responsibility to office and administrative support supervisors.
Those seeking administrative supervisor and manager positions may encounter keen competition since the number of candidates should significantly exceed the number of job openings. In 2006, the median annual earnings of office and administrative support supervisors and managers was $43,510. The top ten percent earned over $71,340. Some office administrative support managers and supervisors may receive bonuses and/or stock options.
Education, Certification, and Licensing
Companies often promote administrative support employees from their organization into administrative management and administrative supervisor positions. Several years of experience is typically required to move up to an administrative manager position. Workers must demonstrate they have the ability to be effective in a management position. A solid foundation with the company's computer system helps in acquiring an administrative management job.
Some employers require a bachelor's or an associate degree or some post-secondary education for an administrative management job. Courses in project management, time management and interpersonal relations are beneficial. Administrative managers seeking to move up to higher level positions may need a college degree.
Resources
- American Society of Administrative Professionals
- American Management Association
- Institute of Certified Professional Managers
- National Management Association
Major Employers
The top employment industries for administrative managers are wholesalers, banks, retail businesses, government agencies, healthcare facilities, business service companies, insurance companies and schools.
Schools for Administrative Services Managers are listed in the Browse Schools Section.
