Part of the occupations cluster in the employment knowledge graph — connected to occupations, documents, hiring guides, career guides, country guides and employment law.
What an office manager does
An office manager takes responsibility for the smooth running of a workplace. This spans facilities, suppliers, budgets for office spend, administrative processes and, in many cases, supervising reception and admin staff.
The role is a hub that connects departments, ensuring the practical environment supports everyone’s work. It suits an organised, dependable person who can balance routine coordination with the occasional problem to solve.
Core responsibilities
- Overseeing day-to-day office operations and facilities.
- Managing relationships with suppliers and service providers.
- Coordinating administrative processes and office systems.
- Supervising and supporting reception and admin staff.
- Maintaining a safe, well-equipped and compliant workplace.
- Organising events, meetings and office logistics.
Skills and qualities
- Strong organisation and multitasking ability.
- Leadership and people-management skills.
- Good communication with staff, suppliers and senior leaders.
- Problem-solving and a calm, practical approach.
- Budget awareness and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with office software and systems.
Typical employers and settings
- Small and medium-sized businesses across sectors.
- Professional-services, finance and technology firms.
- Charities, education and public-sector organisations.
- Multi-site companies needing local office coordination.
- Serviced-office and co-working operators.
How the role is recruited
- Roles are filled directly or through recruitment agencies.
- A CV and covering letter setting out relevant experience are expected.
- Screening looks at coordination, supervisory and supplier-management experience.
- Interviews explore organisation, judgement and people skills, sometimes over two stages.
- Onboarding covers suppliers, systems, budgets and the team supported.
Documents involved
- A job description outlining scope, responsibilities and reporting lines.
- An employment contract setting out terms.
- An offer letter confirming role, hours and start date.
- Right-to-work and identity checks as required.
- An onboarding checklist and any supplier or budget handover notes.
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