The role
As an office manager, you make the workplace run smoothly. You oversee reception and support staff, manage suppliers, rent, cleaning and security contracts, and control the office budget. You also coordinate IT equipment, workplace safety and internal events, and often support HR and finance with admin tasks.
Who is hiring
Start-ups, tech hubs, law and consulting firms, regional offices of multinationals and NGOs hire office managers. The job is on-site by nature, since you are the person who keeps the physical office working.
Background and career path
Most come from administrative or executive assistant roles, often with a degree in business or management. You can progress to operations manager, administration manager or head of general services.