Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Administrative Services Manager
What administrative services managers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an administrative services manager?
Check the office supply budget. From there, the day usually includes supervise administrative staff, manage records and documents, and oversee mail and supplies. Full-time business hours, sometimes longer during moves or audits.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an administrative services manager working full time.
- Check the office supply budget.
- Meet the admin team.
- Review a copier lease.
- Approve a records retention plan.
- Plan a department move.
- Interview a receptionist.
- Update office policies.
Where administrative services managers work
Managers work in offices across every industry.
Hours and schedule
Full-time business hours, sometimes longer during moves or audits.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Supervise administrative staff
- Manage records and documents
- Oversee mail and supplies
- Manage vendor contracts
- Set office policies
- Plan budgets
- Coordinate office moves
Tools you’ll use every day
- Document management systems
- Spreadsheets
- Procurement software
- Facilities ticketing systems
- Calendar tools
- Microsoft 365
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Steady work
- Good pay
- Every industry needs you
- Variety of tasks
What’s hard
- Juggling many requests
- Behind-the-scenes role
- Budget pressure
- Vendor problems
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m very organized
- I like solving everyday problems
- I enjoy managing people
- I like negotiating with vendors
- I want steady work
- I like variety
Not sure? Take the free Administrative Services Manager fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Keep exits and aisles clear
- Maintain emergency plans
- Protect confidential records
- Ensure ergonomic workstations