A division manager is in charge of a specific department within a company or other organization. He or she determines the division’s direction and is ultimately responsible for its success. This manager’s general responsibilities include planning, organizing, allocating resources, and directing the division’s day-to-day operations. Specific responsibilities vary depending on the size and structure of the company or other entity. This person might be in charge of an entire physical company site, such as a manufacturing plant, or the top person in charge of a large department with employees in one or more company locations, such as a sales division.
A division manager’s responsibilities include establishing the organization’s goals and objectives. Employees must follow the policies and procedures established by the manager. This person monitors operations on a regular basis to ensure that division goals and objectives are met, as well as policies and procedures are followed. He or she is in charge of resolving issues that may be impeding the division’s achievement of its objectives, whether through process improvements or corrective actions.
Division managers are in charge of planning and organizing the division’s employees’ responsibilities. They are frequently reported to by lower-level managers, as well as non-management professionals and hourly workers. Employee performance is reviewed and evaluated, and worker training programs are planned and monitored. They are responsible for hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining employees.
Division managers also work with their peers, the heads of other company divisions, to ensure that the company’s overall operations are running smoothly. These executives must also take into account their own work performance. They must explain their decisions and the performance of their divisions to their superiors, who are usually general managers, vice presidents, or other company executives.
The division manager is responsible for the division’s financial well-being. He or she is in charge of setting and monitoring divisional budgets, keeping track of expenses, and approving expenditures. If the larger division has sub-divisions, the manager assigns budgets to those divisions’ managers and monitors adherence to those budgets. The division manager is responsible for justifying the increased budget request to higher-ups if additional money is required for effective operations in the division.
Many division managers have earned at least a four-year college diploma. Others gain experience by working in a variety of roles within the division while demonstrating responsibility and strong leadership abilities. Strong problem-solving abilities, good communication skills, and the ability to see the big picture are some of the qualities required for this position.