An organizational manager is responsible for leading and directing the operations of a company or organization. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that an organization runs smoothly and efficiently and that it meets its goals and objectives. Organizational managers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling the activities of an organization. They also play a key role in decision-making, problem-solving, and stakeholder communication.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the role of an organizational manager, including the responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required to succeed in this position.
Organizational Manager Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of an organizational manager can vary depending on the size, type, and industry of the organization but generally include the following:
- Planning: Organizational managers are responsible for setting goals and objectives for the organization and developing plans and strategies to achieve them. They must also anticipate and respond to changes in the external environment, such as changes in regulations, market conditions, and technological advancements.
- Organizing: Organizational managers must arrange the organization’s resources to meet the goals and objectives. They often create and supervise teams, assign tasks, and develop schedules to ensure that tasks are completed promptly and efficiently.
- Staffing: Organizational managers are responsible for selecting, training, and evaluating employees. They also manage the workforce, including setting policies and procedures, assessing employee performance, and determining staffing needs.
- Directing: Organizational managers provide guidance and direction to employees and often act as leaders and role models. They also make important decisions, delegate tasks and ensure employees understand their responsibilities.
- Controlling: Organizational managers must monitor the organization’s and its employees’ performance and take corrective action when necessary. They also measure performance, compare results against goals, and make adjustments when necessary.
- Decision-making: Organizational managers must make difficult decisions to ensure the organization’s success. They must also analyze information, evaluate options, and select the best action.
- Problem-solving: Organizational managers must be able to identify and solve problems that arise in the workplace. They must be able to diagnose problems, develop solutions, and take action to resolve them.
- Communicating: Organizational managers must be able to communicate effectively with employees, customers, stakeholders, and other partners. They need to be able to convey information, ideas, and instructions clearly, as well as listen actively and respond appropriately to the concerns of others.
Overall, Organizational managers need to possess various skills and qualities to succeed in their roles. They must be able to lead, direct, and manage others effectively and understand the organization’s goals and objectives.
Organizational Manager Job Requirements
The job requirements for an organizational manager generally include the following:
- Education: Most organizational manager positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to business, management, or the industry of the company, such as business administration, management, marketing or engineering. However, for some larger organizations, an advanced degree in a relevant field, such as a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) is preferred.
- Work experience: Many organizations prefer to hire candidates with several years of relevant work experience in management, operations, or a related field. Some may also prefer experience in a particular industry or type of organization.
- Leadership skills: Organizational managers must be able to lead and manage teams, set goals and objectives, and make important decisions. They must also have good problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Communication skills: Organizational managers must be able to communicate effectively with employees, customers, stakeholders, and other partners. They need to be able to convey information, ideas, and instructions clearly, as well as listen actively and respond appropriately to the concerns of others.
- Technical skills: Organizational managers must have a good understanding of the technical aspects of their industry, such as production processes, financial analysis, or regulatory requirements.
- Interpersonal skills: Organizational managers must be able to work well with a diverse group of people, including employees, customers, and other stakeholders. They must also be able to negotiate, mediate, and resolve conflicts effectively.
- Project management skills: Organizational managers must be able to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously and have the ability to plan, organize, and oversee projects effectively.
- Adaptability and flexibility: Organizational managers should be able to adapt to
Organizational Manager Skills
The skills required for an organizational manager generally include the following:
- Leadership: Organizational managers must be able to lead and manage teams, set goals and objectives, and make important decisions. They must also have good problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Communication: Organizational managers must be able to communicate effectively with employees, customers, stakeholders, and other partners. They need to be able to convey information, ideas, and instructions clearly, as well as listen actively and respond appropriately to the concerns of others.
- Strategic thinking: Organizational managers must be able to think strategically and develop long-term plans and objectives for the organization. They must be able to anticipate and respond to changes in the external environment.
- Management: Organizational managers must have good management skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and oversee the work of others. They must also be able to assign tasks, develop schedules, and manage the workforce.
- Problem-solving: Organizational managers must be able to identify and solve problems that arise in the workplace. They must be able to diagnose problems, develop solutions, and take action to resolve them.
- Decision-making: Organizational managers must make difficult decisions to ensure the organization’s success. They must also analyze information, evaluate options, and select the best course of action.
- Technical skills: Organizational managers must have a good understanding of the technical aspects of their industry, such as production processes, financial analysis, or regulatory requirements.
Organizational Manager Salary
The salary for an organizational manager can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and type of organization, industry, location, level of education, and years of experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), top executives’ median annual salary, including organizational managers, is $104,980. However, in certain industries such as finance, technology, and healthcare the salary can be higher. Similarly, the salary range can vary greatly depending on the size of the organization, the position within the organization, and the location of the job.
As for the entry-level Organizational managers’ salary could be around $60,000 to $80,000 per year, again depending on the organization and location.
It’s important to note that Organizational managers often receive additional benefits such as bonuses, profit sharing, and stock options which can add to the total compensation package. As they progress in their careers and gain more experience, they can also expect to see their salary increase accordingly.
Organizational Manager Work Environment
The work environment for an organizational manager can vary depending several factors. However, some common characteristics of the work environment include the following:
- Office-based: Organizational managers typically work in an office environment. They spend a significant amount of time in meetings and working on computers, reviewing reports and analyzing data.
- Fast-paced: Organizational managers often work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. They must be able to adapt to changing situations and respond quickly to new challenges and opportunities.
- Team-oriented: Organizational managers typically work with teams of employees and other managers, and they must be able to work effectively in a team environment.
- Stressful: Organizational managers often work under pressure to meet deadlines and achieve goals. They must be able to handle high levels of stress and maintain their focus and composure in challenging situations.
- Travel: Depending on the size, type, and industry of the organization, Organizational managers may be required to travel for business, such as to meet with clients, vendors, or other stakeholders or to visit different company locations.
- Autonomy: Organizational managers have a level of autonomy in their job; they have a degree of freedom to make decisions and determine their own work schedule. However, they are held accountable to the upper management of the organization.
- Remote work: As a result of the pandemic and following the trend, many organizations are allowing their employees to work remotely. Organizational managers are not an exception. They may have to adapt to a remote work environment, conduct meetings, and communicate with employees and stakeholders.
Organizational Manager Trends
Here are a few of the latest trends in the field of organizational management:
- Emphasis on sustainability: Organizational managers are increasingly focused on sustainability in terms of environmental and social responsibility. Organizations are expected to integrate sustainable practices into their operations, such as reducing carbon footprint, conserving resources, and promoting fair labor practices.
- Digital transformation: Organizational managers are responsible for leading their organization’s digital transformation. This may include implementing new technologies, such as automation and artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
- Remote work: Organizational managers must adapt to managing teams in a remote work environment and ensure that employees have the resources and support they need to be productive.
- Focus on employee engagement and well-being: Organizational managers recognize the importance of employee engagement and well-being in the organization’s success. They are working to create a positive work culture, promote work-life balance and provide mental health support to their employees.
- Data-driven decision-making: Organizational managers increasingly rely on data and analytics to make decisions. They must be able to interpret and analyze data to identify opportunities for improvement and make informed decisions.
- Emphasize on Innovation: Organizational managers are looking for new and innovative ways to improve their processes, products or services. They encourage experimentation, take calculated risks and foster a culture of innovation in their organizations.
- Emphasis on agile management: Agile management methodologies are gaining popularity as they enable organizations to be more responsive to changing business needs and customer demands. Organizational managers are embracing agile management principles and methodologies to improve project management and organizational flexibility.
How to Become an Organizational Manager
Here are a few steps that can help someone become an organizational manager:
- Education: Most organizational manager positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to business, management, or the company’s industry, such as business administration, management, marketing, or engineering. However, for some larger organizations, an advanced degree in a relevant field, such as a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), is preferred.
- Gain relevant work experience: Many organizations prefer to hire candidates with several years of relevant work experience in management, operations, or a related field. It is important to seek opportunities to gain management experiences, such as through internships or entry-level management positions.
- Develop leadership skills: Organizational managers must be able to lead and manage teams, set goals and objectives, and make important decisions. It is important to take leadership roles in school or community organizations or to seek out opportunities to lead teams or projects in the workplace.
- Build relevant technical skills: Depending on the industry, organizational managers may need to have a good understanding of the technical aspects of their industry, such as production processes, financial analysis, or regulatory requirements. Gaining knowledge and skills in these areas is important through coursework, workshops, or on-the-job training.
- Network and connect: Building a professional network can open up opportunities for advancement. It’s important to connect with other managers and professionals in your field, both in-person and online. This can help to stay informed about job opportunities, learn about new trends and developments, and gain valuable advice and feedback.
- Certifications: Many industries have certifications that can help you advance your career as an organizational manager, such as the Certified Manager (CM) from the Institute of Management or the Project Management Professional (PM
Organizational Manager Advancement Prospects
Advancement prospects for organizational managers generally include the following:
- Promotion within the organization: Organizational managers who perform well in their roles and demonstrate strong leadership and management skills may be considered for promotion to higher-level management positions, such as department head, division manager, or executive vice president.
- Advancement to upper-level management roles: With experience and the right qualifications, organizational managers can advance to positions such as Chief Operating Officer (COO) or even CEO.
- Starting a business: Organizational managers with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and the necessary skills and experience can start their own business.
- Consulting: Organizational managers with a wealth of experience and expertise may choose to pursue a career as a consultant, offering their knowledge and skills to multiple organizations on a project basis.
- Advancing to a higher level of management in a different industry: Organizational managers with diverse experience and set of skills can look for opportunities in other industries where they can bring their knowledge and expertise to new roles and environments.
It is important to note that career advancement opportunities can be limited in small organizations but can be more abundant in larger, growing organizations. Additionally, the competitiveness of the job market and the industry also play a role in the career advancement prospects for organizational managers.
Related: 10 Rhetorical Skills and How to Develop Them
Organizational Manager Job Description Example
Job Title: Organizational Manager
Job Purpose: The organizational manager will be responsible for leading and directing the operations of a medium-sized manufacturing company. The role includes planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling the activities of the organization to ensure it meets its goals and objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement short and long-term strategies for the organization to achieve its goals and objectives.
- Organize and manage the work of multiple teams, including setting schedules, assigning tasks, and monitoring progress.
- Select, train, and evaluate employees to ensure a high-performing workforce.
- Monitor and control the financial performance of the organization, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
- Make important decisions and delegate tasks to ensure the smooth running of the organization.
- Communicate effectively with employees, customers, stakeholders, and other partners to ensure that information is conveyed clearly and that concerns are addressed effectively.
- Identify and solve problems that arise in the workplace using analytical and critical-thinking skills.
- Act as a leader and role model, promoting a positive work culture and fostering teamwork.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field.
- 5+ years of relevant work experience in management or operations.
- Strong leadership and management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to plan, organize, and oversee projects.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
- Ability to travel to different sites and facilities within the region for management purposes.
