Facebook Pixel
  1. Home
  2. Construction careers
  3. What jobs are right for me?
  4. Office manager

Office manager

Also known as -

Administrative manager, operations manager

Office managers keep offices running smoothly by carrying out a number of day-to-day administrative, financial and managerial tasks. Office managers sit at the heart of any organisation and are often the ‘go-to’ person within the office. Office managers ensure relevant records are up-to-date, office equipment is maintained appropriately and administrative processes work effectively.

Average salary*

£18000

-

£50000

Typical hours per week

35-40

How to become an office manager

There are several routes to becoming an office manager. You could do a university course, college course, an apprenticeship, on the job training or apply to an employer directly. 

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

You can become an office manager with a degree in any subject, but degrees in business management, human resource management, public administration and business administration are particularly useful for an office manager role.

Once you’ve completed your studies, you could apply for a trainee position, or enter a company’s graduate scheme.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

College/training provider

There isn’t a college course specifically for office management, but you could complete a course which would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for the role.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Traineeship

If you are aged between 16 and 24 you may be eligible for a traineeship. This is a short course (2 weeks - 6 months) which helps you to gain work experience in your chosen role.

Apprenticeship

You could complete a business administration higher apprenticeship to become an office manager. This typically takes 18 months to complete.

An apprenticeship with a construction company is a good way into the industry.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain experience as a trainee office manager. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced office manager or supervisor and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. Previous office-based, secretarial or customer-facing work experience would be valued by any employer. Some employers also ask for previous experience of working within an office-based role in construction. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Skills 

  • Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an office manager include: 
  • Excellent organisational skills
  • Adaptability
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to solve problems
  • Communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
  • Administration skills
  • Business management
  • The ability to work well with others
  • To be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently.

Qualifications

To become an office manager, you could complete a:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration
  • T Level in Management and Administration
  • Business Administration Higher Apprenticeship
  • Degree in:
    • Business Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Public Administration

To become an office manager, you could complete a:

  • SVQ in Business and Administration
  • Business Administration Higher Apprenticeship
  • Degree in:
    • Business Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Public Administration

To become an office manager, you could complete a:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration
  • T Level in Management and Administration
  • Business Administration Higher Apprenticeship
  • Degree in:
    • Business Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Public Administration

What does an office manager do?

As an office manager, you will be responsible for working closely with all departments within an organisation.

The job role of an office manager involves the following duties: 

  • Record office expenditure and manage the budget
  • Organise the office layout and maintain supplies of stationery and equipment
  • Manage online and paper filing systems
  • Develop and implement new administrative systems
  • Support staff career development
  • Carry out staff appraisals and measure performance
  • Establish policies and procedures for staff
  • Ensure adequate staff levels to cover for absences and peaks in workload
  • Write reports for senior management and deliver presentations
  • Deal with staff recruitment.

How much could you earn as an office manager?

The expected salary for an office manager varies as you become more experienced.

  • Newly trained office managers can earn £18,000 - £30,000
  • Office managers with experience can earn £30,000 - £50,000

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Job

Check out the latest office manager vacancies: 

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

You could take on more responsibility for managing projects, or provide cover for senior management duties.

With experience and more qualifications you could become a personal assistant or executive officer.

Other career options include moving into buying and procurement, financial management, business development and operations management.

Web design by S8080