Difference Between Manager and Administrator

In order for an office or a company to run smoothly and perform well, tasks and roles must be neatly and precisely divided. In small offices and family-run companies, roles and duties may overlap, but large businesses need a clear hierarchic structure. Two of the most important positions – which are often covered by the same person in small companies – are manager and administrator. Managerial and administrative tasks are key to the success of the business and require different competencies and abilities.

Who is the Manager?

Within a company, the manager is the person in charge of putting into practice policies and objectives decided by the owners or by the executive board. The manager often works in direct contact with the employees and has the responsibility of ensuring the smooth delivery of all operational activities. In most cases, the manager is a hired employee and his/her authority varies according to the structure of the company and to his/her experience and competencies. Finally, depending on the size and structure of a company, there can be more than one manager within one organizations: manager are responsible for all operational activities within their assigned department/branch.

Who is the Administrator?

The administrator is generally part of the legal and administrative branches of a company. In other words, the administrator is responsible for determining the main policies and goals of the organization/business – which will later be implemented by the manager. The administrator takes care of logistics and has to make sure that the company’s policies are in line with international and national laws and regulations. In general, the administrator does not intervene in the concrete implementation of strategies and policies, but may liaise with the manager to verify progresses and to evaluate performances.

Similarities between Manager and Administrator

The roles of managers and administrators can be quite similar, in particular in small and/or medium companies (i.e. max 40/50 employees). In fact, while generally the administrator is ranked above the manager within the organization’s structure, the two often liaise and communicate to identify policies and practices that may benefit the company and increase profits. The two roles, then, have some similarities:

• Both manager and administrator have a higher position compared to other employees;
• Both work to promote the company and to increase profit;
• In both cases, the person in charge is required to have a relevant academic background and/or equivalent work experience;
• Both manager and administrator must be profit-driven and have an entrepreneurial attitude; and
• Both need managerial skills.

What is the Difference between Manager and Administrator?

Manager and administrator are two key figures in any medium-large company. Their skills and expertise are essential to promote the company, to ensure adherence to laws and regulations, and to ensure the smooth delivery of all operational activities. Yet, their roles and tasks are – in general – quite different:

1. The manager works in close contact with the other employees and is responsible for the correct functioning and development of specific branches/departments of the company. Conversely, the administrator is above the manager and is responsible for deciding and setting the policies and goals of all sectors of the organization;
2. The administrator is responsible for setting and outlining compliance policies and general rules of the organization. He/she is also in charge of planning and controlling the administrative budget and of developing an adequate asset management strategy. Conversely, the manager must make sure that his/her work (as well as the work of his/her team) complies with general rules and regulations set out by the administrative branch;
3. The administrator can be a link between the manager and the senior management team. He/she is key to the good organization of any company. The manager has limited authority but – at the same time – is considered responsible for lower productivity or internal/team problems; and
4. The manager selects and hires employees for his/her team, choosing the best candidates on the basis of their skills, personal attributes and competencies. The manager needs to make sure that new recruits are adequately trained and welcomed by their new team. Conversely, the administrator does not participate in the hiring process – in particular for entry-level jobs.

Manager vs Administrator

The duties of managers and administrator can vary according to the structure and hierarchy of a given company. Furthermore, in small or family-run businesses, their roles often overlap. Yet, building on the differences outlined in the previous section, we can identify other key aspects that clearly differentiate the tasks and roles of managers and administrators within a company.

Conclusion

Manager and administrator are two key figures in any medium and large organization. In small businesses, their roles and tasks often overlap – and may be even taken upon one single individual. Yet, larger business need a sharper distinction among different roles to maximize efficiency and productivity. In general, the administrator is responsible for setting and developing main company’s policies and objectives – in compliance with national and international regulations – whereas the manager is responsible for the pragmatic implementation of such policies. Both figures aim at promoting the image of the organization and at enhancing productivity: the administrator has higher authority and his/her work is related to the legal and financial aspects of the company whereas the manager is responsible for hiring and training new employees, and for ensuring the smooth delivery of all operational activities.

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