What to know about a career as an administrative services manager

August 08, 2019 · 5 min read · By ASU Online

Focused, quality leadership is present in all professional settings, from the smallest startups to the largest multinational corporations. As a result, there are a variety of career paths associated with management and the business goals of customer satisfaction, fiscal success and professional development. This career profile series will explore some of the job opportunities available to those looking to help make an impact through managerial stewardship.

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Administrative services manager role

Is your attention to detail impeccable? Do you pride yourself on keeping an organization moving forward? If so, a career as an administrative services manager might be right for you. This position is responsible for business efficiency. From an operations standpoint, it focuses on planning, directing and coordinating all of a company’s supportive services. From ordering supplies to ensuring the lights stay on, administrative services managers are involved in all office operations – no matter how large or small.

The administrative services manager role includes a combination of record keeping, general office maintenance, receptionist duties and more. Any task that affects how the office is run can fall under the administrative services manager, so it is important to be detail-oriented and focused since there can be many tasks to manage simultaneously.

Skills and knowledge related to administrative services positions are covered in Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. A bachelor’s degree in management can help ensure you have these ideal traits to be a manager, and higher education is often strongly preferred by hiring managers.

A typical day in the life of an administrative services manager

Daily tasks will vary as an administrative services manager, with some days centered around work on a computer, and others allowing you to be on the move around the office for extended periods of time. Either way, a typical day includes managing the tasks that ensure the office runs successfully.

These duties fall into a variety of categories — facility management, operations, team management, administration and reception. Several tasks in each category are delegated to the administrative services manager to handle or supervise. This leads to collaborative communication with external vendors as well as an array of details to track.

Typically, this role reports to a member of upper management and works directly with employees, from engineers to project managers, sales representatives or the corporate accountant.

Developing the right skill set

Patience is a vital trait for an administrative services manager. With so many separate areas to keep track of and so many different people to work with, being in this position requires you to have the right demeanor to work with everyone. It is your job to ensure the office is running at its best, so you are required to work successfully with both internal and external individuals in a pleasant and productive way to achieve your goals. Below are some areas of expertise of an administrative services manager:

  • Supply chain management
  • Finance and accounting
  • Personnel management
  • Project and facility management
  • Ethics, compliance and regulations
 

Developing skills in these subjects as you earn a college degree may add to your appeal when interviewing for an administrative services manager position. Earning a degree in management allows you to practice and grow skills like these before joining the workforce. Online management degree programs typically encourage students to experience and test theories and concepts of management and ethical leadership in skill-based exercises, case discussions, and real-world team projects. This experience provides a foundation for students to become successful managers during their careers.

A closer look at the professional landscape for administrative services managers

Payscale lists the median salary for an administrative services manager at more than $57,000. Previous experience can impact your base salary as your career progresses. This position could open the door to other management opportunities in other departments of a company that help ensure the business runs smoothly, such as human resources.

Opportunities in administrative services are estimated to grow by 8 percent from 2014 to 2024, about the same rate as the occupational average. The essential tasks an administrative services manager is responsible for — managing facilities and troubleshooting issues that arise — are vital in many industries. In fact, nearly all companies across a multitude of industries could require a position such as this.

Administrative services is well-suited to individuals who like managing details. Being part of this team allows you to directly support your company’s daily operations, ensuring that the office runs optimally and the employees have what they need to succeed. You are directly involved in operations and can begin managing projects, and possibly people, right from the start.

Learn more about your potential career as an administrative services manager

Following a career in administrative services means the responsibility starts with you to cultivate an efficient, effective and successful operation. That could be a lot of weight on your shoulders, but that also means a lot of reward when it goes right. The course curriculum in the W. P. Carey School of Business Bachelor of Science in Management program may prove valuable to those interested in a career as an administrative services manager. Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about ASU.


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