Secretarial & Admin Jobs

Office Manager

An Office Manager is responsible for organising and facilitating the smooth running of an office. In order to do this they carry out a range of administrative tasks and, depending on the size of the organisation, may oversee the office work of numerous staff.

What does the job entail?

The role of Office Manager will vary depending on the type, size and structure of the organisation but typical duties will include:

• Developing and implementing new administrative systems, such as record management
• Managing filing systems
• Recording office expenditure and managing the budget
• Organising the office layout and maintaining supplies of stationery and equipment
• Maintaining the condition of the office and arranging for necessary repairs
• Overseeing the recruitment of new staff, sometimes including training and induction
• Holding meetings with senior management
• Writing reports for senior management
• Responding to customer enquiries and complaints where appropriate
• Reviewing and updating health and safety policies and ensuring they are followed

Typical Career Routes

In order to become an Office Manager you will be expected to have gained previous administrative or managerial experience, preferably in a related sector.  Once in the role, it may be possible to develop by taking on more responsibility and managing more staff. Alternatively it may involve moving into a bigger department to carry out the same duties but with higher profile responsibilities. After extensive experience as an office manager, career development is likely to involve a step up into senior management, and later to head of department.

Key Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Time management and organisational skills
• Leadership ability
• Ability to use initiative and solve problems
• Project management ability

Training and Qualifications

Although candidates do not need a particular degree to become an Office Manager, subjects such as Business Administration, Human Resource Management or Management may improve your chances.

It is essential that candidates looking to become Office Managers have gained work experience within an office. Work experience is often more important than educational qualifications.