What is the difference between an Associate Manager and a Manager?

What is the difference between an Associate Manager and a Manager?

There are some key difference between an Associate Manager and a Manager. However, they take on similar responsibilities within an organization. Both Associate Managers and Managers are positions found in a large variety of industries, and the tasks, responsibilities, and qualifications for both vary wildly.  While Managers are often in charge of broader tasks and responsibilities to keep their department operational, Associate Managers are there to help keep team members on track and assist the Manager with other duties.

Difference between an Associate Manager and a Manager

  1. Roles

Some tasks are shared between positions and are often delegated to the Associate by the Manager.  These may include scheduling, training, hiring, supervising, and more.  On the other hand, managers are typically responsible for all team functions and often are in charge of more administrative tasks like payroll, budgeting, and purchasing.

Manager and Associate Manager positions are not industry-specific, and their tasks and responsibilities vary wildly.  In smaller operations, the Managers and Associate Managers may both take on responsibilities typically delegated to employees.  For example, in a small retail establishment, the Associate Manager may also take on a cashier or clerk’s duties.  In this case, the Associate Manager may spend most of their time performing a cashier’s tasks but may also have the authority to issue refunds, deal with customer complaints, or supervise other staff.  In an office, an Associate Manager may be in charge of tasks similar to an Administrative Assistant.  These tasks could include meeting minutes, organizing and purchasing office supplies, scheduling meetings, and answering phone calls.  Due to the wide range of industries involved and the size and scope of different businesses, Managers and Associate managers can have very different day-to-day experiences.

Other tasks handled by the Associate may include enforcing and informing employees of the company guidelines, practices, and policies.  Associate Managers almost always have a supervisory role over a team of employees.  Keeping teams focused and motivated is also a key role that the Associate plays, and they are often the main point of contact between employees and upper management. Therefore, communication skills are often vital to the success of any Associate Manager.

Managers are usually involved in broader organizational duties.  They may be in charge of balancing team budgets, providing direction for their teams, delegating tasks to their Associates or other employees, and many other things depending on their business goals.  Managers take on the responsibility for the team or teams’ actions and direction under their charge.  In larger corporations, Managers may report to Regional or other middle-management and be a part of a team of fellow Managers.  In smaller businesses, Managers may report directly to the Owners and sometimes be involved with some aspects of ownership.  They may, for instance, in a small local Restaurant, be in charge of designing and creating menus, doing payroll or creating new food items.  They may also be involved with creating or changing company policies to suit the goals of the business.  Manager tasks can take many shapes and forms, and just like Associate Managers, they can vary wildly depending on the industry.

  1. Qualifications

Managers and Associate Managers come from all backgrounds and walks of life.  Many of them were promoted from within, and most of the positions require a proven background in their industry.  Associate Managers are most often promoted from employees who have shown competency and commitment to the business.  Managers can be promoted from Associate Managers or typically have a proven track record of success in their area of expertise, within their industry or a similar one.  Associate positions hired from outside of the company typically also require previous management or supervisory experience.

For Managers, companies are often looking for a history of supervising similar sized teams and an extensive understanding of many aspects of their related industry.  Most require 2-4 years of previous management experience as a minimum.  Some may also require a form of degree or certificate.  Management positions in Engineering or Hospital Administration, for example, may require specific higher education above and beyond a 4-year degree.  Other management positions, like in libraries and museums, technical fields, and more, will require a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in their related industries.  There are also generic Business Administration degrees that can help establish a strong generic working knowledge of management and are sometimes required for a wide range of middle management positions.

Other businesses and industries may not have such strict requirements for education.  Auto repair shop Managers may only be required to keep their technical certificates up to date.  Restaurant Managers may be required to obtain and keep current their various local, state, and national Health Department certifications.  There is a large range of industry certifications out there, and they are often very beneficial to Managers in their fields.

Other lower Management positions may have no education requirements at all.  Many factories, restaurant, retail, and office Managers require no additional education beyond a high school diploma.  These positions may sometimes ask for higher education but are typically not hard requirements, and relevant work history or unrelated education is often used as a substitute.  Many of these Managers also find themselves promoted from within, with many serving previously as Associate Managers.

For Associate Managers, there is often no requirement for secondary education.  These positions are typically held by top-performing employees and those who have a proven understanding of their relevant industries.  In many cases, however, a relevant degree can be useful for Associates.  Some Associate Managers may also be encouraged to obtain a degree and be a requirement for a promotion.

Both Managers and Associate Managers alike are required to have a history of competency, work ethic, and success.  Associate Manager positions typically require 2-4 years of previous supervisory experience in a related field. In comparison, Manager positions may require 4 or more years of management experience, along with several years of experience directly related to their form of business.

  1. Compensation

Due to the wide range of industries and businesses that Managers and Associate Managers find themselves in, compensation can differ between positions.  In some retail, restaurant, or hospitality businesses, Managers and Associate Managers can even be part-time positions, with yearly salaries being $40,000 or less.  Office, factory, and other management positions can expect salaries in the range of $40,000 to $100,000 or more.  Specialized management positions in Engineering, Healthcare, Technology, and many other industries can see salaries much higher.  Like most careers, education and experience are big factors in determining both Managers and Associate Managers’ success and compensation.

While Managers and Associate Managers’ responsibilities, experience, and qualifications are often similar, there are often distinct differences between both positions.  Many find these positions through various education and work history and often gain them through promotions within their existing work.  Day-to-day tasks within industries may be similar but can vary wildly depending on the business’s scope and size.  Compensation depends heavily on previous education and experience, and both Managers and Assistant managers have a heavy role in supervising and organizing employees.

Also read How I Got Associate Product Manager Job

What is the difference between an Associate Manager and a Manager?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to top