what is an assistant manager?

An assistant manager implements workflow procedures under the instruction of a manager. As an assistant manager, you conduct various tasks, such as hiring and training new employees and providing customer support. You are expected to monitor the company's spending patterns and budgeting. You also ensure that the company develops proper customer relationships and that employees perform optimally.

As an assistant manager, you have the authority and leadership over other employees. You can delegate work to employees and follow up on fulfilling pending tasks. Most assistant managers assist key executives in keeping the work flowing. You are in charge of the team when the executive is away.

As an assistant manager, you should have significant experience in the field you expect to manage. This experience is valuable for solving numerous workplace problems, giving directions and recommendations, and completing other tasks that require practical knowledge. For instance, many companies need assistant managers who are skilled at problem-solving and organisation. Proving that you have excellent interpersonal skills can make you an ideal candidate.

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average assistant manager salary

The median remuneration package of an assistant manager is $58,000 per year. Assistant managers with minimal experience earn a salary of $52,000 annually. When you have built your experience in the field, you can receive a salary of over $65,000 per year. Some employers offer additional monetary benefits for assistant managers.

what factors affect an assistant manager's salary?

Experience is a major determining factor for salaries. Experienced assistant managers have additional skills and hands-on experience in managing workers. These skills enable them to handle complex duties and run the office efficiently. The industry and area of specialisation also influence your earnings. For instance, if you work in a hospital, you are likely to earn more than someone working in retail. Working in large corporate companies also improves your remuneration since they have the resources to offer higher salaries.

Male and female talking at a table
Male and female talking at a table
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types of assistant managers

The types of assistant managers depend on the business sector they work in. Some types of assistant managers include:

  • assistant marketing manager: as an assistant manager in the marketing department, you assist the marketing manager in the departmental functions. You schedule meetings with marketing executives, assign duties and measure their performance. You also implement the instructions of the marketing manager to ensure employees achieve the desired objectives.
  • assistant store manager: the duties of an assistant store manager can vary depending on the size and type of store they are managing. However, some common duties may include: assisting the store manager with day-to-day operations, supervising and motivating staff, ensuring high levels of customer service, achieving sales targets, managing stock levels and ordering new stock,  dealing with customer queries and complaints
  • hospitality assistant manager: as a hospitality assistant manager you are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the hospitality department. You oversee the staff and ensure that all guests are satisfied with their experience. You may also be responsible for budgeting and planning for the department.
  • assistant hospital manager: when you are an assistant manager in a hospital, you assist the manager with administrative functions. Your job includes allocating duties to hospital staff and ensuring patients receive the best services.
  • assistant procurement manager: in procurement, an assistant manager ensures that the functions of the procurement office run smoothly. You keep track of the inventory and assist the procurement manager with looking for suppliers and reviewing tenders.
  • assistant administrative manager: as an assistant administration manager, you run the office and supervise all the administrative functions. Your job includes hiring administrative workers and planning their schedules.
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working as an assistant manager

When you are an assistant manager, you oversee various business operations and implement goals set by the manager. Here are some of the duties and work schedules of an assistant manager:

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education and skills

When pursuing a career as an assistant manager, you need the following qualifications:

  • tertiary qualification: a bachelor's degree isn't compulsory to become an assistant manager, but it is advisable to have some tertiary education. For instance, you can complete a certificate or diploma in leadership and management. If you want to do a bachelor's degree, aim for one in business or business management.
  • work experience: work experience is critical when you want to become an assistant manager. You can start with entry-level jobs in your preferred field. For instance, start as an administrative assistant and gain work experience.

assistant manager skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of an assistant manager include:

  • commercial acumen: the ability to understand and make decisions in a commercial context. It includes understanding financial information and using it to make decisions, as well as an understanding of the market and the competition.
  • hospitality management: this involves coordinating the activities of employees and other staff members to ensure that guests have a positive experience.
  • results focused: this skill is about being able to produce results that are focused on the task at hand. This means being able to stay focused on the task at hand and not letting other distractions get in the way.
  • customer service skills: the ability to communicate clearly, efficiently, and politely with customers; the ability to listen to and understand customer inquiries and concerns, the ability to resolve customer complaints in a satisfactory manner and the ability to take initiative to improve the customer service experience.
  • communication skills: as an assistant manager, you meet with clients and work with various teams. You need good communication skills to convey information effectively and professionally to maintain a good working relationship with employees and customers.
  • interpersonal skills: as an assistant manager, interpersonal skills like positivity, calmness, and fairness are invaluable. These qualities help you build trust and good relationships with your employees.
  • decision-making skills: as an assistant manager, you make on-the-spot decisions on various issues. When the manager isn't around, your job is to analyse the situation and make informed decisions promptly.
  • problem-solving skills: as an assistant manager, you should be good at solving problems. When the manager delegates tasks to you, they expect you to consider all the aspects and solve issues.
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FAQs about working as an assistant manager

Here are the most asked questions about working as an assistant manager:

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