Manager in Corby

Managers play a key role in helping organisations to achieve their goals, through managing resources (such as people, money and materials) and work activities or projects. The responsibilities of individual managers vary according to the type of organisation and their position within it. Junior managers, for example, may have responsibility for only a small team and are likely to have limited influence on an organisation's policies. They may combine their management role with another work role. Senior managers may be responsible for a whole department and are likely to have a high degree of responsibility for, and influence on, their organisation's policies and strategic direction. This may include re-developing the company mission, changing company culture and significant reorganisations.

The day-to-day work activities of individual managers vary considerably. They may be responsible for the systems or processes that create goods or provide services. They may have responsibility for controlling and monitoring budgets and producing management reports. Managers in some fields, such as construction, are likely to also have technical responsibilities.

Many managers are involved in managing people. People-management activities may include some or all of the following:

• Recruiting and training new staff.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing members of the team.
• Motivating staff.
• Conducting performance reviews and appraisals.
• Team building and resolving conflicts within a team.
• Taking part in grievance and disciplinary procedures.

Some managers work regular office hours, typically from 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Many work additional or irregular hours to meet the demands of the job. Managers' work environments vary between organisations. Many are primarily office based, but may have to travel to visit clients or attend meetings at other sites. Overseas travel may be required, particularly of managers working for national or international organisations. A driving licence is useful and may be essential in some jobs.

Managers may start on at least £21,000 a year. An experienced manager may earn around £45,000 a year. In addition, some managers may receive bonus payments, a share of company profits and private health insurance.

Managers work for every type of organisation, including:

• Manufacturers
• Commercial organisations, such as banking & insurance
• Construction companies
• Hotels and restaurants
• Local authorities
• The Civil Service
• Hospitals
• Transport organisations
• Charities

It is estimated that over four million people in the UK have management responsibilities. There is, though, a shortage of people with management skills and an increase in demand for managers is likely. Vacancies for managers may be advertised in local and national newspapers, and in specialist journals such as Professional Manager and Management Today. They may also be advertised through recruitment agencies.

There are three main routes into management:

• Progression from job role. There are many areas of work where people progress to management having first developed expertise in a work role, and this is the main route into management. Examples are accountancy, engineering, teaching, healthcare and hotel and catering.
• Management training schemes. Many large organisations, particularly in the retail industry, offer trainee manager posts. Minimum entry requirements vary. Some ask for at least two A levels and five GCSE's (A*-C), including English and maths, or equivalent qualifications such as relevant BTEC National Certificate or Diploma.
• Apprenticeships. There are Apprenticeships in team leading and Advanced Apprenticeships in management. There are no formal entry requirements but employers may require applicants to have some GCSE's (A*-C) in subjects such as English and maths.

Most managers are trained on the job. They may also work towards management qualifications, of which there is a wide range. They include NVQ Level 2 in team leading, NVQ Levels 3, 4 and 5 in management, BTEC HND and HNC in business (management), BTEC Advanced Professional Diploma in management studies, Foundation and honours degrees in management, and postgraduate qualifications, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Continuing professional development (CPD) is important for managers so they may keep their skills and knowledge up to date.

A manager should:

• Be able to motivate and encourage others.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to delegate where appropriate.
• Be well organised.
• Be decisive and work well under pressure.
• Be effective at planning, monitoring and reviewing work.
• Be numerate, and able to analyse and interpret information.
• Be able to command respect and trust.
• Be persuasive in order to influence people.
• Be good at problem solving.
• Work well on their own and as part of a team.
• Be honest and fair in dealing with other people.

Many organisations have a management structure and managers may be able to progress to senior level and beyond that to become a company director. Managers who work for smaller companies may have to move to other organisations to progress.