Moving from the discipline and teamwork of sports into a corporate setting, an Office Manager role allows former athletes to leverage their organizational skills, leadership qualities, and resilience to keep an office running smoothly. As an Office Manager, you will oversee administrative operations, coordinate support staff, manage budgets and facilities, and serve as a key liaison between executives, employees and external partners. Your ability to perform under pressure, motivate teams, and maintain focus on goals equips you to create an efficient, welcoming environment where everyone can do their best work.
What is an Office Manager?
An Office Manager is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of administrative activities that keep a business functioning. You supervise reception, administrative assistants and facilities staff; manage office supplies, equipment and vendor relationships; oversee budgets and expense tracking; and develop policies and procedures to improve workflows. You ensure that meetings, travel and events are organized, that technology and facilities are maintained, and that staff have the support they need. Essentially, you serve as the operational backbone of the office.
Degrees needed to become an Office Manager
Employers often look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Business Administration or Management – Provides foundations in operations, finance and organizational behavior.
- Office Administration or Secretarial Studies – Focuses on administrative skills, record keeping and office systems.
- Human Resources Management – Useful for roles involving staff coordination, policies and compliance.
- Communications – Enhances ability to liaise effectively across teams and with external partners.
Relevant associate degrees and professional certifications in office management or project coordination are also valued, especially when combined with strong administrative experience.
Training paths for an Office Manager
To build expertise and credibility, consider:
- Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) – Credential covering organizational communication, project management and office technology.
- Project Management Fundamentals – Courses or certifications (e.g. CAPM) to structure initiatives and timelines.
- Facilities Management Training – Workshops on vendor management, health & safety and space planning.
- Business Software Certifications – Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP systems or collaboration platforms like SharePoint.
- Customer Service and Communication Workshops – Improving stakeholder relations and conflict resolution.
Ongoing learning through webinars, peer networks and industry conferences helps you stay current on best practices in office operations.
Daily tasks of an Office Manager
- Supervising receptionists, administrative assistants and facilities staff, assigning tasks and providing coaching.
- Managing office budgets, processing invoices, tracking expenses and reconciling petty cash.
- Ordering and maintaining inventory of office supplies, equipment and furniture.
- Coordinating meeting room bookings, travel arrangements and event logistics for staff and executives.
- Liaising with IT and maintenance to ensure technology and facilities are operational and secure.
- Developing and updating office policies, procedures and emergency plans.
- Handling incoming correspondence and phone calls, routing inquiries and maintaining professional front-office presence.
- Supporting HR with onboarding paperwork, benefits coordination and record keeping.
- Monitoring vendor contracts — cleaning services, caterers, couriers — and negotiating terms to optimize cost and service quality.
What working as an Office Manager looks like
You divide your time between the reception area — greeting visitors and handling urgent requests — and back-office work — budget reviews, policy updates and vendor negotiations. You lead daily stand-ups with administrative staff, troubleshoot issues on the spot and plan for upcoming initiatives like office moves or large events. Flexibility is key: you may need to address last-minute facility problems, reschedule meetings or support senior leadership at short notice.
Skills and qualities for an Office Manager
- Organization – Juggling multiple priorities, calendars and operational tasks without dropping details.
- Leadership – Motivating and guiding a small team of support staff.
- Communication – Clear, courteous interactions with colleagues, vendors and visitors.
- Problem Solving – Responding quickly to facility, technology or scheduling issues.
- Financial Acumen – Managing budgets, tracking expenses and negotiating vendor contracts.
- Adaptability – Shifting gears to meet urgent demands and changing priorities.
- Attention to Detail – Ensuring accuracy in records, orders and procedural adherence.
- Technical Proficiency – Using office software, communication platforms and facility management systems effectively.
- Customer Service – Maintaining a professional, welcoming environment for internal and external guests.
Salary of an Office Manager
- United States: $50,000–$65,000 per year, depending on company size and location.
- United Kingdom: £25,000–£35,000 annually for mid-level roles.
- France: €30,000–€40,000 per year in corporate offices.
- Australia: AUD 60,000–AUD 80,000 annually in metropolitan areas.
Benefits often include health insurance, retirement contributions and performance bonuses linked to operational efficiency.
Work environment
Office Managers work in corporate headquarters, small businesses, non-profits or government agencies. Typical environments range from open-plan offices to reception areas and conference facilities. Hybrid and remote administrative models are emerging, but on-site presence remains crucial for hands-on coordination and team leadership.
Career progression
- Senior Office Manager or Operations Coordinator – Overseeing additional locations or broader operational functions.
- Facilities Manager – Specializing in building maintenance, space planning and health & safety.
- Office Services Manager – Managing corporate services such as mailrooms, print centers and reception.
- Director of Administration – Leading all administrative functions across multiple departments.
- Chief of Staff – Acting as a strategic advisor and operational partner to senior executives.
Companies hiring Office Managers
- Corporate headquarters of Fortune 500 companies
- Small and medium-sized enterprises in various industries
- Non-profit organizations and associations
- Government agencies and public sector departments
- Educational institutions and healthcare providers