Also known as an “office manager,” an administrative manager oversees the administrative operations of a business or organization. An administrative manager may supervise administrative personnel within an office, such as receptionists, filing clerks, secretaries, or executive assistants. He or she may also be the sole person that provides administrative support to a particular division, department, or business or organization as a whole.

In addition to performing general administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, correspondence, scheduling appointments and meetings, and fielding queries, an administrative manager is typically responsible for implementing and managing a business or organization’s administrative systems. This type of management may include such responsibilities as procuring and managing the budget for office supplies, implementing the business or organization’s filing and documentation retrieval systems, overseeing the operation of office equipment such as photocopiers, printers, and fax machines, and managing the calendar and schedule of one or more executives.

Because administration is integral to the operation of all businesses and organizations, an administrative manager position can be found in virtually any industry. Although experience within a similar industry is generally preferred by businesses or organizations seeking administrative managers, the utmost importance is typically placed on previous experience in administration. For example, if two individuals apply for an administrative manager position with a paper supply company, preference will typically be given to the candidate with a solid track record of administrative experience, versus the candidate with a background in the paper supply industry who may have fewer administrative skills.

As a business or organization grows, so too does its need for administrative support and management. Whereas the title of “secretary” was once used as an umbrella term to describe most administrative positions, growing businesses and organizations today often require a series of administrative personnel to accommodate the responsibilities integral to office administration. Regardless of whether an administrative manager supervises other personnel within an office, he or she may still be considered the first point-of-contact for general office queries within a business or organization. If an administrative manager is employed in an office that does not have a human resources department, he or she may also be responsible for new employee orientation, including the management of contracts, payroll documents, and briefing new employees on the operations of the business or organization.