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Unit managers oversee specific operations within an organization to ensure operational excellence and enhanced performance at all times. This role can take place in a number of industries and typically includes tasks such as overseeing employees and processes, organizing training for staff members, preparing reports, and making sure the company meets its goals. Unit managers may work in a variety of different environments depending on their industry, but this job usually takes place indoors during regular business hours. Ideal candidates have great leadership and managerial experience, strong interpersonal skills, keen attention to detail, and the ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
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Unit Manager Duties and Responsibilities
The type of organization a unit manager works for determines the duties they perform each day. Based on job listings we analyzed, a unit manager’s duties typically involve:
Lead Organizational Teams
Unit managers oversee organizational teams and manage their schedules, ensuring there is sufficient staff on hand and defining team goals.
Conduct Meetings
Unit managers conduct regular meetings with the unit to inform them of new targets and goals as well as changes and any upcoming events.
Manage Documentation
Unit managers oversee the unit budget and staff payroll. They also keep accurate records of productivity and outcomes of system process changes.
Maintain Relationships
A key part of this job is maintaining relations with the team and external companies and resolving any issues or queries that arise, including any sales-related queries. They regularly coordinate unit or work-center operations with other institutions and programs.
Adhere to Regulations
Unit managers ensure that the work carried out is in line with regulations and compliance. To do so, they may create processes then ensure all team members follow them.
Unit Manager Skills and Qualifications
Unit managers have great interpersonal and organization skills, and they are proactive about finding more efficient processes. Typically, employers require a bachelor’s degree in business or an industry-related subject as well as the following abilities:
Leadership skills – unit managers oversee a team and help staff work toward targets and company goals. They need excellent leadership skills to carry out this aspect of the role
Communication skills – strong communication skills are important to becoming a successful unit manager. They should be clear about goals and targets and routinely liaise with different teams and departments
Attention to detail – unit managers must identify execution gaps in processes and find solutions; attention to detail is important to spot these and find more efficient systems
Teamwork – unit managers work closely with their team as well as with the public and external agencies. They need strong teamwork skills to collaborate with people from all different backgrounds
Troubleshooting – this job involves using professional judgement to make critical decisions and manage projects. Meeting project goals may require problem-solving
Unit Manager Education and Training
The minimum requirement to become a unit manager is a bachelor’s degree in business management or a similar subject, as well as leadership skills demonstrated either through a qualification or previous work experience. Because this position exists in a variety of industries, formal requirements vary depending on the sector. However, applicants should have industry-relevant experience, such as an engineering or business background.
Unit Manager Salary and Outlook
The median annual salary for unit managers is nearly $61,000, according to PayScale. Unit managers in the 10th percentile earn around $38,000 annually, while the highest paid earn close to $86,000 a year. Some companies offer packages that reach up to $17,000 from bonus structures based on individual or group performances, and profit-sharing opportunities of up to $15,000.
Sixty-eight percent of employers offer dental plans, and over three-quarters offer medical insurance as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the administrative management sector will grow 9 percent through 2026.
Helpful Resources
Multi-Unit Leadership: The 7 Stages of Building Profitable Stores Across Multiple Markets
from managing multiple priorities to maximizing sales and creating high-performing teams, this book has been revised to provide the latest management techniques and strategies
Business Unit Manager Red-Hot Career Guide
this book is a great resource for anyone preparing for a unit manager job interview. From communication and presentation to business systems and problem-solving, this guide answers over 2,500 questions covering 70 interview topics
Management and Leadership Skills: 5 Easy Steps to Becoming a Great Manager
covering the five easy steps to becoming a more successful manager, this book prepares readers for this role by arming them with the tried and tested management techniques that create loyal and efficient teams
Multi Unit District Manager Network
with over 72,000 members, this LinkedIn group encourages networking and knowledge sharing, making it an ideal space for those new to the unit manager role in various industries
