what is a manager?
A manager is responsible for all the functions of a specific part of a company. You can be in charge of a department or the whole business. As a manager, you perform all the managerial functions in your capacity, which gives you the autonomy to hire people, help develop their skills, conduct performance reviews, promote and challenge your team members. Managers work in various industries like construction, retail, marketing and financial services.
what are the responsibilities of a manager?
Depending on the role, a manager is sometimes referred to as a managing director or supervisor. As a managing director, you are the steward of the company's mission and objectives. Top managers who formulate company goals and strategies are considered managing directors or general managers. Functional managers are also considered directors since they ensure efficiency in specific departments of a company. You are referred to as the marketing director if you head the marketing department.
Supervisors are also managers but lead a small section of employees or groups. As a supervisor, you ensure your team members accomplish their tasks and objectives.
To be a successful manager, you require fantastic leadership qualities and problem-solving skills to juggle issues that arise when running the organisation. It is also important to have great interpersonal and customer service skills to maintain a good image of the company you represent. Your people skills help you lead employees towards the company's goals.
manager jobsaverage salary of a manager
The median salary of a manager is $99,000 per year. In an entry-level position, a manager usually takes home a salary of $74,000 annually. As a high-ranking manager, your earnings can increase to $147,000 annually. The remuneration packages differ depending on the management level or specialism. For instance, a general manager earns an average salary of $150,000 annually, with some companies paying as high as $190,000 annually. Departmental managers fall into a different salary range. For instance, the median remuneration package of a marketing manager is $97,000 per year, with experienced managers taking home over $120,000 annually.
what influences the salary of a manager?
As a manager, your salary prospects depend on the industry sector and your position in the organisation. Working in some business sectors like construction attracts higher remuneration due to the complexity of the role. Your earnings also significantly increase if you are a high-ranking manager, such as a general manager, who oversees the operations and administrative functions of the entire organisation. The location also affects the salary of a manager since companies in metro areas pay higher wages.
types of managers
You can become a general manager or focus on specific departments and fields in an organisation. Some typical managerial roles include:
- business development manager: you develop business expansion plans and strategies. You determine ways to diversify the business to boost income and accelerate expansion.
- marketing manager: as a marketing manager or director, you oversee the marketing department to ensure it achieves its objectives. Your job is to build the visibility of the company's brand and ensure the marketing team adopts the correct messaging for the brand.
- project manager: when you are a project manager, you put together the resources necessary for achieving a specific goal. You plan all the aspects of a project, from inception to completion.
- retail manager: as a retail or store manager, you supervise other workers to ensure good customer service. You also manage inventory and ensure the sales targets are met.
- account manager: as an account manager you oversee the sales, service, and marketing of a company's products or services to its customers or clients.
working as a manager
As a manager, you lead a team of professionals. Hence, the role requires excellent leadership skills and motivational abilities. Let's explore the specific duties and work environments of managers.
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job description
As a manager, you perform the following duties and responsibilities:
- ensuring the smooth running of operations: whether you are working in a manufacturing, industrial or retail context, you are responsible for ensuring the day-to-day operations run smoothly. That means ensuring the budget is adhered to, and cash flow remains positive.
- goal setting: as a manager, you develop the plan and direction you want the company to take. You create short-term and long-term goals to keep you motivated and on track with the company vision. You also work on strategies to ensure the company keeps growing.
- working with hr: managers are in charge of all the organisational functions, which means you can assist the human resource team in identifying recruitment needs. You are also involved in onboarding staff, performance appraisal and training to keep your workers motivated.
- organising and leading: it is not enough to plan; as a manager, you manage your teams and provide the necessary resources to complete tasks. As a leader, it is vital to communicate and motivate employees and help them solve problems. You should also delegate tasks to employees and supervise them to ensure they are on track.
- performance checks: measuring performance is the role of a manager. After setting goals and assigning resources, you keep track of the progress of projects and ensure milestones are attained. It is essential to take corrective action when problems arise.
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work environment
As a manager, you work in multiple sectors and diverse work environments. Some managers work in hospitals, financial institutions, local authorities and industries. Whether you secure a job in the private or public sector, you work in an office. The office environment varies depending on your position in the company hierarchy. In a traditional hierarchy, a managing director has ample creative space, while supervisors may share an office with team members. Many companies these days have a shared coworking space. When you work in a retail set-up, you are likely to work in the back office, and sometimes you move around to supervise. Managers also work outdoors to oversee activities when the company has offsite projects.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include supervisors, office administrators and hr coordinators. You might also be working in close proximity to project coordinators and programme coordinators, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, accountants, marketing executives, marketing coordinators, sales executives, sales assistants and sales representatives.
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work schedule
Managers work a standard 9 am to 5 pm schedule, but your job doesn't end when you leave the office. Since you are a figurehead and brand ambassador of your company, you may attend events and conferences in the industry to maintain your professional network. Managerial positions are often full-time and take over 40 hours a week. Sometimes, you work evenings and weekends. Some managerial positions are on a shift basis, and some supervisory roles require the supervisor to be available 24/7. Hence, some supervisors can work night shifts, especially in the manufacturing industry. Due to the role's demands, a manager cannot work remotely.
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job outlook
Becoming a manager is a promising career since it provides exciting job opportunities. For instance, you can progress from manager to chief executive officer or other top positions in the organisation. Aside from the promising prospects, the diverse roles available in various sectors give you multiple options. It is possible to switch from one industry to another, and some managers become consultants or entrepreneurs. However, you need years of experience and exceptional qualifications to move successfully to self-employment.
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advantages of finding a manager job through randstad
Finding your manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
Some of the educational qualifications of a manager include:
- bachelor's degree: to become a manager, you need strong managerial and administrative skills. You also require industry-specific knowledge in your area of interest. Ensure you pursue a relevant course for the management position you want, like operations management, human resource management and business administration. Bachelors degrees that would be suitable for this career are: bachelor of arts, master of business administration, bachelor of science, bachelor of commerce.
- work experience: managers require extensive work experience to understand industry processes and activities involved in project execution. Most managers start with internships and entry-level positions before working their way up the career ladder to top-level managerial jobs.
manager skills and competencies
Managerial positions require technical skills and competencies. Some of the skills you need include:
- commercial acumen: the ability to make sound decisions in a business setting. This includes the ability to understand financial statements, identify opportunities and risks, and make decisions that will improve the bottom line.
- analytical thinking: the ability to break down information into smaller parts in order to better understand it.
- industry-specific knowledge: as a manager, it is crucial to understand the best practices for smooth operation. That means industry-specific knowledge is important to excel. Sometimes you direct employees or formulate strategies, and expertise in the industry helps you determine if goals are achievable.
- decision-making skills: managers are decisive since they determine the direction of a business. They often make significant decisions on short notice, so decision-making skills ensure effective leadership.
- time management skills: as a manager, you handle multiple responsibilities at once, and without time management skills, you cannot accomplish your tasks. You also manage your team's time and devise efficient strategies to prioritise tasks.
- leadership ability: when you are a manager, leadership skills help you motivate employees to achieve company objectives. You also provide support to employees to help them reach their goals.
- financial insight: when you are a manager, financial management enables you to create budgets and develop cost-effective ways to conduct business operations. You also review the business's financial position and determine cash flow problems and how to rectify them.
FAQs about working as a manager
Here are the most asked questions about working as a manager:
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what makes a good manager?
A good manager controls the business and ensures all employees perform optimally. As a leader, you direct teams and encourage others to reach their full potential and deliver the best performance.
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what skills does a manager need?
A manager requires strategic thinking ability to plan activities and oversee various projects. Having commercial awareness is crucial for improving the performance of a business. Problem-solving and decision-making skills are also vital.
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what makes a poor manager?
Signs of a bad manager include undesirable leadership characteristics that lead to friction and conflicts between supervisors and employees. Poor managers also micromanage employees instead of delegating tasks.
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why should I become a manager?
Becoming a manager is a rewarding career that helps you grow. It is a satisfying career since you help your team grow and build a successful business.
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how do I apply for a manager vacancy?
Applying for a manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our manager job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
