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 single department or the whole business. You perform all the managerial functions in your capacity, which give you the power to recruit, promote and develop your team members.
Depending on the role, a manager can be referred to as a managing director or supervisor. For instance, top managers who formulate company goals and strategies are considered managing directors. As a managing director, you direct the company's mission and objectives. Functional managers are also considered directors since they ensure efficiency in specific departments of a company. For instance, you may be 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, excellent leadership qualities and problem-solving skills are essential to address multiple issues and keep teams motivated. Your interpersonal and customer service skills help maintain a good image of the company you represent.
Would working as a manager suit your problem-solving abilities? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a manager role.
manager rolesaverage salary of a manager
According to Payscale, the average salary of a general manager in India is ₹2,304,857 per year. However, the figure fluctuates widely depending on seniority, duties and industry sector. For example, office managers earn around ₹464,070 per year, while an IT manager receives about ₹1,370,183. Apart from wages, managers often receive numerous benefits depending on the position. A managing director may have a house allowance, personal drivers and other executive privileges, while supervisors may only enjoy health insurance and paid holidays. Managers also receive generous bonuses when they achieve milestones and company targets.
what factors affect the salary of a manager?
If you want to increase your salary as a manager, you can switch to a better-paying industry sector. For instance, a manager in retail earns less than a manager in the financial sector. Your experience also influences your pay. In an entry-level position, you cannot expect your salary to compare with someone with years of relevant work experience. Better educational qualifications and certifications also improve your pay. For example, a manager with a master's and doctoral degree earns more than those with an undergraduate degree.
Small companies don't usually provide a lucrative compensation package, but you will gain experience. Large organisations pay more due to the greater complexity of work and higher expectations. Working in large cities is also more lucrative than in small towns
types of manager
You can become a general manager or focus on specific departments and fields. Some of the types of managers 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 they achieve their objectives. Your job is to build the visibility of the company's brand.
- project manager: when you're a project manager, you put together the resources necessary for achieving a goal. You plan all 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 inventories and ensure that sales targets are met.
- deputy manager: a deputy manager supports the manager in overseeing and directing the operations of an organization. As a deputy manager you play a critical role in ensuring that goals and objectives are met and that the organization operates efficiently and effectively.
- hr manager: an hr manager is responsible for managing and coordinating the various functions of the HR department, including recruiting, training, compensation and benefits, performance management, and employee relations. As an hr manager you play a critical role in attracting, developing, and retaining talent and supporting the overall objectives of the organization.
- operations manager: an operations manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization. As an operations manager you play a critical role in ensuring that resources are utilized effectively, goals and objectives are met, and the organization operates efficiently and effectively.
- service manager: a service manager is responsible for managing the service department of an organization. As a service manager you play a critical role in ensuring that high-quality services are delivered to customers, and that the service department operates efficiently and effectively.
working as a manager
Managers are leaders who inspire other workers to work better and solve any problems that may arise within an organisation. Let's explore some of the daily activities and schedules of a manager.
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duties and responsibilities
- ensuring the smooth running of operations: whether you are working in the manufacturing or retail sector, you are responsible for ensuring 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 draw up plans and a direction you want the company to take. You develop short-term and long-term goals to keep you motivated and on track with the company vision. You also devise strategies to keep the company 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 also actively manage your teams and provide the necessary resources to complete tasks. As a leader, you communicate and motivate employees and help them solve problems.
- performance checks: measuring performance is part of the manager's role. After setting goals and assigning resources, you keep track of the progress of projects and ensure milestones are met. When problems arise, you take corrective action to stay on track.
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work environment
You may work in multiple sectors and diverse work environments as a manager. Managers work in hospitals, financial institutions, local authorities and manufacturing industries. Whether you secure a job in the private or public sector, you generally work in an office. The office environment varies depending on your position in the company hierarchy.
Many companies these days have a shared coworking space. In a traditional hierarchy, a managing director has ample creative space, while supervisors may share an office with team members. When you work in a retail set-up, you are likely to work in the back office, and sometimes you move around to supervise business activities.
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who are your colleagues?
A career as a manager is so broad in scope that there is no limit to the people you might meet. Your colleagues can span a wide range of roles, depending on your employer and your industry like assistant managers, brand managers, digital marketing managers, and operations managers. For example, they might include healthcare professionals in the medical sector or cashiers, stockroom assistants and sales associates in retail. In manufacturing, you might be working in close proximity to engineers, production operatives and assembly workers.
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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 often attend events and conferences in the industry to maintain your professional network.
Managerial positions are usually full-time positions of over 40 hours a week, and sometimes you work evenings and weekends. Some managerial positions are on a shift basis. For instance, supervisory roles require the supervisor to be available 24/7 if a company works round the clock. Some supervisors work night shifts, especially in the manufacturing industry.
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job outlook
All industries need managers, so the role is always in demand. Different sectors have particular growth patterns. For example, e-business managers are among India's 15 most in-demand jobs in 2022. Management also offers many career development opportunities. For instance, you can move from manager to chief executive officer or other top roles in the organisation.
Apart 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 on a monthly basis
- 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
To become a manager, you are most likely to start in entry-level positions and gain experience to rise to higher positions. Educational qualifications are also required, including the following:
- degree: managers usually have a bachelor's degree. The subject can be almost anything, though you may choose to do an undergraduate programme in business administration or a field related to your industry of choice. For instance, an engineering degree will boost your prospects if you want to become a manager in a manufacturing company.
- master's: a master's in business administration (MBA) is not compulsory, but it increases your competitiveness. If you want to work in large companies, an MBA gives you the relevant skills. Some specialist roles also require a doctoral degree and other certifications to improve your leadership skills and become a registered manager.
- work experience: apart from academic qualifications, relevant work experience is invaluable. You can gain experience through internships and entry-level jobs as you progress in your career.
skills and competencies
Managerial positions require technical skills and competencies. For example:
- industry-specific knowledge: as a manager, you understand the best practices for smooth operations. Sometimes you have to direct employees or formulate strategies, and expertise in the industry helps you determine if the goals are achievable. That means excellent industry-specific knowledge is vital.
- decision-making skills: good managers are decisive in determining the direction of a business. You make significant decisions at short notice, and 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. It is also essential for you to 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 meet company goals. You should also provide support and development opportunities to help employees achieve their ambitions.
- financial insight: when you are a manager, sound financial management enables you to create budgets and develop cost-effective ways to conduct business operations. You also review the business's financial position, identify cash flow problems and how to rectify them.
FAQs about working as a manager
FAQs about working as a manager:
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what do managers do?
A manager is a leader who organises and plans company resources to ensure business operations run as expected. Apart from organising, they are involved in human resource management.
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who is a manager?
A manager is a figurehead of an organisation and represents its interests. They also lead and manage resources within the organisation.
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what are the four types of managers?
Top-level, middle, line and team managers are the four types of managers. Top-level managers are executives, while middle-level managers are in charge of specific departments.
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is a manager a good job?
Being a manager allows you to influence significant organisational change and motivate team members to improve performance. Managerial positions also provide lucrative compensation packages.
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what is a manager's salary?
The average salary of top-level managers is ₹2,304,857 per year. Salaries vary depending on the level of your role and your industry.
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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 job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
