Manager Assistant

Education and Training: Bachelor’s degree
Average Salary: $23197 to $67053 per year
Job Outlook: Good

The manager assistant, also known as an assistant manager, supervises all staff for a company. Manager assistants are not only the boss, they are the link between lower level employees and upper level management. Manager assistants work in many industries such as healthcare, retail, and restaurants. Manager assistants wear many hats and must assume some of the responsibilities of their subordinates when necessary.

The successful manager assistant has great communication skills, excellent leadership and organizational skills as well as the ability to delegate effectively. Typical duties include handling customer complaints, developing employee schedules, performing inventory audits, hiring employees, training employees, disciplining employees, and ensuring all employees adhere to company policies and procedures.

Education and Training Requirements

Although it is possible for a high school graduate with previous work experience to be promoted into management, a bachelor’s degree is preferred by most employers. Most manager assistant’s jobs are filled internally via promotion of lower level staff members who hold degrees.

High school students interested in working as a manager assistant should have a strong foundation in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics. In addition, excellent oral and written communication skills as well coursework in accounting, finance, and word processing, spreadsheet, and database software is recommended.

The Institute of Certified Professional Managers offers certification as a certified manager. The certification covers three areas: Foundations of Management, Planning and Organizing, and Leading and Controlling. Applicants are required to submit professional development activities on a yearly basis to maintain certification.

Getting the Job

Competition is fierce for manager assistant positions as there are more applicants than there are jobs. Potential candidates stand the best chance for employment if they have previous management experience and a bachelor’s degree.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook and Career Development

According to the 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment will increase by 11 percent from 2008 through 2018 for manager assistants. Manager assistants who have a previous track record of good performance and who have kept their skills up-to-date stand the best chance of employment.

Professional organizations such as LinkedIn.com, a professional Internet network forum, also represents a way in which manager assistants can gain professional opportunities. Linkedin.com has forums that members can join and potential employment opportunities that one can pursue.

Working Conditions and Environment

The work environment for a manager assistant is determined by the industry in which they work. A 40 hour work week with overtime, late nights, and weekend work are the norm. In addition, holidays are the most profitable time for most businesses and manager assistants usually work during the holidays. Most employees are required to wear a uniform or dress that represents the company culture or brand.

The customer comes first for the manager assistant. Remaining calm and pleasant no matter what the situation is a requirement of the job. Therefore, stress from unhappy customers or short deadlines set by upper level management are to be expected.

Salary and Benefits

According to Payscale.com, 2011 salaries for manager assistants range from $23,197 to $67,053. Health benefits, vacation, and 401K plans are standard benefits for the industry. In addition, company discounts on merchandise, commissions, and bonuses for good performance are standard benefits offered to most manager assistants.

Where to Go for More Information

The Institute of Certified Professional Managers
James Madison University, MSC 5504
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Phone: 800-568-4120
Fax: (540) 801-8650
The Institute of Certified Professional Managers

University of Phoenix
4615 E Elwood St.
Mail Stop: AA-K101
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Phone: 800-866-3919
Fax: (480) 303-5832
University of Phoenix

Washington University
Olin Business School
Campus Box 1133
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
Phone: (314) 935-6000
Fax: (314) 935-4290
Olin Business School