Administrative services managers are responsible for planning, coordinating and directing many different services that make it possible for organizations to operate in an efficient manner. These duties might include equipment procurement, facilities maintenance and space allocation. Administrative services managers may also be responsible for overseeing the needs of several departments. Other duties may include examining energy consumption, technology usage and the needs of personal property for long-term maintenance.
Administrative Services Manager Job Responsibilities
Duties of administrative services managers may vary according to the size of the company. In smaller companies, a single manager known as an office manager may be responsible for supervising all support services. In larger organizations, there may be several administrative services managers who specialize in many different areas while reporting to directors of administration.
Contract administrators specialize in supervising the preparation, negotiation, analysis and review of contracts that are related to the sale or purchase of materials, equipment, products, supplies or services.
Facility managers are responsible for designing, planning and managing grounds, supplies, equipment and buildings. Tasks may include workspace planning, the purchase and sale of real estate, budgeting, lease management, architectural planning and design and renovations.
Administrative services managers typically spend most of their time in an office; however, they may also conduct site visits in the building as well as outdoors in order to supervise activities related to grounds keeping. In the case of supervising a construction project, they may need to travel to the construction site. Technology makes it possible for many managers to monitor through a remote manner.
Approximately half of administrative services managers work a regular 40 hour work week. Others may work longer hours. Overtime may be necessary in order to meet deadlines or resolve problems. It is not uncommon for facility managers to be on call.
Most administrative services managers who work in small organizations can advance by moving to a larger organization or another management position. Advancement is typically easier within a large firm where there may be multiple levels and different types of administrative services managers. Opportunities for advancement can improve with a master’s degree in business administration or a similar field. Such opportunities might include advancing to director of administrative services. With experience, some managers might choose to either join or establish a management consulting firm. Such firms provide administrative services on a contract basis to other companies.
Administrative services managers can be found in all types of industries, although there are some industries that tend to employ these managers more than other industries. They include education services, the healthcare industry, state and local government, finance and insurance.
This field is expected to grow about as fast as all other occupations. Higher-level management positions will usually have keen competition due to a limited number of available positions. Competition will be less severe for lower-level management jobs. The demand is expected to be strong for certain types of managers, including facility managers.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Continual downsizing of companies as well as the increased use of office technology may reduce the need for some positions. Administrative services managers who specialize in contract administration should be in strong demand due to the need to outsource tasks and activities related to janitorial and food services, telecommunications, etc. Job opportunities can vary from one year to another due to the fact that the strength of the economy can affect the demand for administrative services managers.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Administrative Services Manager Training and Education Requirements
The experience and education requirements for administrative services managers tends to vary widely, based on the size as well as the complexity of the employing organization. In small companies, the only requirement may be experience. In larger organizations, administrative services managers may be required to have a bachelor’s degree as well as experience. Managers who are employed in very complex services including insurance, contract and regulatory compliance typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, finance or accounting.
Facility managers usually have an undergraduate or graduate degree in architecture, engineering, business administration, construction management or facility management. Others may have a background in construction, real estate or interior design along with managerial experience. Managers involved in property acquisition are required to have experience in purchasing and sales.
Individuals who are interested in this career field should have good communication and leadership skills. They must also be decisive, flexible, detail-oriented and analytical. It is also important to be able to conduct several activities at the same time as well as resolve problems and handle deadlines.
Administrative Services Manager Salary and Wages
Wages and salaries for administrative services managers can vary significantly based on employer, geographic location and specialty. The median annual wages in 2008 for salaried administrative services managers were $73,520.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Administrative Services Manager Certifications
Completing a professional certification program that is offered by the International Facility Management Association can provide prospective candidates with an advantage. To qualify for the Certified Facility Manager designation, all applicants must meet experience and educational requirements.
Administrative Services Manager Professional Associations
Professional associations for administrative services managers include the following:
- Association of Professional Office Managers
- International Facility Management Association
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