Administrative Management
Administrative management is a specialized and detail-oriented career. Those interested in the career should be aware that there is stiff competition for positions in upper management.
What to Expect
Administrative management, sometimes called an office manager, is responsible for several crucial duties. Overall the administrative manager oversees the smooth operation of the office or company.
The exact duties vary company to company and office to office depending on the size and function of the business.
Administrative management may be responsible for:
•Scheduling
•Material distribution
•Data processing
•Inventory needs
•Maintaining a safe working environment
•Making sure all government and company regulations and laws are being followed
Others forms of administrative management include facility managers and contract administrators. Much like office managers these types of administrative managers are responsible for overseeing departments and employees to make sure that the company continues to operate efficiently.
Facility managers focus primarily on the company’s building and surrounding grounds. They oversee maintenance, lawn care, and other similar duties. Other duties may include:
•Space planning
•Lease management
•Design
•Purchase and/or sale of real estate
•Renovation Facility managers may also be responsible for creating an environmentally friendly workplace.
Contract administrators are responsible for supplies and products used by the company. They also oversee the acquisition and sell of these products and items. Contract administrators work closely with other administrative managers within the company to organize equipment and materials. These administrators are also responsible for any lease agreements regarding equipment as needed.
Administrative managers work a standard 40 hour a week usually in the office or at the company site. It is possible that travel may be necessary given the nature of the business and what is required of the manager.
Education, Training, and Certification
The education requirements vary from company to company due to complexity of duties and the size of the company. Smaller companies will only require a certain amount of experience while larger institutions desire at least a bachelor’s degree.
Facility managers may require a degree in engineering or construction as their duties are related the facility itself. Contract administrators should have a degree in contract law or other similar areas as needed. Administrative managers should have a background in the area that is most important to their desired field. Depending on the nature of the business and their exact duties office managers and those that fall under the category of administrative management will need to seek out their own specialized training or experience through universities, trade schools, or on the job training.
Administrative managers should also exhibit:
•Leadership skills
•Good communication
•Establish healthy working relationship with managers and employees
•Excellent organization skills
•Analytical capabilities
•The ability to multi-task
Employment Options
Administrative management is a crucial role in any business or company from large multi-national institutions to smaller locally owned facilities. While larger companies often have several layers of administrative managers each answering to a manager that oversees all of the administrative needs some companies only employ one or two office managers.
The salary depends on the size and degree of responsibilities of the manager. Managers with a bachelor’s or even master’s degree will be more apt to finding a job that offers a higher starting salary.
Employment Outlook
For the most part administrative managers should expect continued demand especially for larger companies and in roles where a more specialized management style is required. Office managers for smaller companies and low tiered managers can expect stiff competition.
Technology is improving the efficiency of office procedures and is actually eliminating several roles that were once occupied by administrative managers.
Projected Salary
The starting salary and wages for these managers vary according to the company size and responsibilities. It is possible to earn up to $130,000 annually with a specialized degree and additional training.
The editors of McGraw-Hill and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Big Book of Jobs, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2012-2013 ©2009 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Material "Adapted"