what is an assistant manager?

Also referred to as an associate manager, an assistant manager is someone who performs workflow procedures under the instruction of a manager. As an assistant manager, you have to know how to do various tasks, such as hiring and training new employees and providing customer support. Other important duties and responsibilities of an assistant manager include:

- overseeing the company's spending patterns and budget

- developing excellent customer relationships

- giving regular performance evaluations to employees

- filling in for the manager as needed

As an assistant manager, you need to have a significant number of years of prior experience in the field you’re expecting to manage. You'll need prior experience in management to solve workplace problems, give directions and recommendations, and perform other tasks that require practical knowledge. You'll also need good organizational skills and interpersonal communication skills. All of these strengths will make you an ideal candidate for a job as an assistant manager.

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average assistant manager salary

An assistant manager earns between $45,000 and $58,000 per year. On top of that, as an assistant manager, you will have an opportunity to earn a cash bonus and commission each year, which may vary depending on the company you’re working for.

Do you want to know more about the salary of an assistant manager? Learn more at Randstad.

Your experience typically determines your earning potential. The second factor is job performance, both in your current and past positions. The third is working conditions. In some companies, you may qualify for greater pay in the form of hazard compensation if your work requires exposure to hazardous conditions. Finally, the company and industry you’re expecting to work in will determine your pay scale. Working evenings could qualify you for a shift differential in some companies or industries.

If the company is among the large corporations that offer higher compensation and employee perks, you can expect a higher pay scale. Similarly, if you’re in a fast-growing industry, such as real estate, financial services, or healthcare, expect to earn more than you would in other sectors.

2 males having a discussion at a table with tablet in front of them
2 males having a discussion at a table with tablet in front of them
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types of assistant managers

As an assistant manager, you'll be playing a variety of roles. You act as an assistant to the general manager of the company. In this position, your job is to assist the general manager in determining overall business strategies.

You can also become an assistant marketing manager if you’re more interested in helping to identify customer needs. You'll be asked to create marketing proposals that establish and promote brand identity. Some of the things you may be responsible for in this position include assisting in conducting marketing research and making product and promotion decisions. It's different from an assistant operations manager position because you go beyond daily functions.

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working as an assistant manager

When you become an assistant manager, you will be responsible for supervising employees as well as carrying out your own assigned duties in an office or retail environment.

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assistant manager skills and education

Some organizations allow you to move up the ladder into management. In some cases, you can get grandfathered into an assistant manager position after working as a customer relations officer, front desk manager, or similar position without updating or adding to your credentials. However other employers expect you to meet certain education requirements before offering you a promotion.

A degree in business or business administration can help you get your foot in the door as an assistant manager. You'll also need to get licensed or certified to qualify. These credentials center around leadership and management. Further education in your industry is a must if you want to succeed. Some schools and colleges offer management training programs that provide the training and tools you need to succeed in this position. You'll learn about implementing plans and strategies, overseeing projects while working within a budget, and managing change within an organization.

skills and competencies

You need prior experience in your field or in management for this job. If you have good leadership skills plus one to five years of management experience in your field, then an assistant manager position is right for you. Good interpersonal communication skills and excellent leadership prowess are a plus.

Most employers pay attention to leadership skills because the position requires the individual to manage or supervise several people. You, therefore, need to demonstrate that you can represent the organization by acting as a role model to the people reporting to you. It’s also important to demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to interact with people properly.

To become a successful assistant manager, you will need to be a team player. Your willingness and ability to be a team player will impact how the employees you manage function and how productive they’ll be. On top of that, you’ll need to be self-motivated and have the desire to develop yourself constantly. Like other positions, being an assistant manager comes with several difficulties that are often overcome by being self-motivated. When you combine these skills with the ability to work autonomously, you will be a great fit for this role.

two men and a woman standing while having a conversation
two men and a woman standing while having a conversation
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FAQs about working as an assistant manager

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about assistant managers.

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