Office Management Careers: Skills, Qualifications, and Salaries

Office managers tackle the necessary tasks to keep small and large businesses running. They’re responsible for duties relating to managing an office that range from ensuring the office printer works correctly to organising a company’s finances and managing administrative staff. Office managers develop numerous skills as an integral component of any successful business. 

Discover whether an office management position might be right for you by learning more about the duties and responsibilities, the skills and qualifications you will need, and the salary you can expect.

What is office management?

Office management is centred around the administrative aspects of a business to improve the efficiency of office staff and general operations. At its core, office management entails leadership, with managers overseeing an administrative team, guiding them towards shared objectives, and preparing them to tackle challenges. 

Office managers juggle many tasks around the office and need to hone certain skills, such as decision-making and communication, which are vital in day-to-day operations. 

What does an office manager do on a daily basis?

An office manager generally oversees the efficiency, organisation, and well-being of the company and its staff. On a daily basis, a manager communicates with their staff and the heads of departments who supervise their work. Managers typically work with a company’s finances, supplying weekly and monthly reports and budgeting.

As an office manager, you must be able to work closely with many people and be a supportive resource for their administration. Successful managers are leaders and good problem-solvers who can troubleshoot various issues that may arise. 

Do you need a degree to become an office manager?

Many employers seek candidates with a degree. However, this isn’t the only route. You may also consider a college course such as a Higher National Diploma (HND) or T Levels in a business subject and start in an assistant manager entry-level position. 

Which degrees lead to office management roles

A few areas of study that may best prepare you for a career in office management include a degree in business, public administration, or human resources, followed by a graduate training scheme. 

You may consider starting in an entry-level position, such as office assistant, with potential to work your way up until you reach the position of office manager. If this is your preference, an apprenticeship might be for you. An apprenticeship allows you to learn on the job.  

Skills to develop to be an office manager

You’ll want to develop or enhance your skills to hold a business management position. Employers value a certain competency and disposition in any office management position:  

• Budgeting: As an office manager, you’ll handle a business’s finances, so budgeting is critical. You must be able to see the bigger picture, predict company costs, and leave room for troubleshooting. 

• Technological proficiency: As an office manager, you will correspond with people by phone and email. Depending on where you apply, knowing how to use certain software might be required. Make sure you do your research about a company to see what programmes they use, and be sure to brush up on your knowledge. 

• Communication: Office managers work with several different people and may oversee the staff's well-being and efficiency. Proper communication is essential for success in a management position. 

• Organisation: Personal organisational skills are essential to ensure your success as a manager and the success of your organisation. 

• Leadership: Confidence in yourself and your team will help you present yourself as an orderly leader. If everyone is on the same page and ready to tackle the goals you set for them, this will also generate more productivity overall. 

Enhance your office manager skills.

Getting a qualification in the right field will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to be a successful office manager, but if you’re keen on improving in certain areas, you'll find several actionable steps to take. 

One of the best ways to enhance your skills as a manager is to get to know who you’re working with. Say yes to the opportunities your company provides you. Going to company events and conferences will not only help you get to know your staff outside the office, but it will give you the opportunity to form better relationships with the department leaders you’ll be working for. 

You’ll also find remote training courses in business management to help you enhance any technical, administrative, or technological skills you might like to work on.  

What is the average salary of an office manager?

The average salary of an office manager in the UK is £33,815 per year but will range between £26,000 and £38,000 depending on where you’re working and your level of experience [1]. Different industries will pay different salaries based on need. As an office manager, you may also receive additional pay through cash bonuses or tips.

What roles do office managers progress to?

Once you land your first management position, you may be able to grow internally over time. Within your present company, your manager may assign you new duties or responsibilities. You might even provide cover for senior management in due time. 

Plenty of opportunities exist for external growth. You may move on to roles such as personal assistant or executive assistant or even into financial management or operations management. 

Gain office management skills on Coursera 

If office management sounds like the right fit for you, you’ll find a few places you can start. Begin by looking for jobs in your desired industry or location, and consider what degrees or qualifications might be required for certain companies. 

Once you’ve narrowed your options, research those businesses to see what might suit you best. Take a look at how their business is run, what they value in an employee, and what you might bring to the table. After that, you can begin applying online or in person.

Enroll in an online course such as the Strategic Leadership and Management Specialisation, offered by the University of Illinois, on Coursera to access various management courses that can help further develop leadership skills.