An assistant business manager is the department’s second-highest-ranking employee. The assistant assists the business manager with the day-to-day operations of the division and fills in for the manager when he or she is unavailable. Many businesses have a command structure in which employees report to the assistant business manager, who is the manager’s only direct report.
As assistant managers, major banking and finance corporations typically hire graduates with degrees in business, finance, or a related field. Experienced store clerks are frequently promoted to assistant manager positions in retail. Companies typically fill assistant manager positions with people who appear to have the qualifications to transition into the manager’s role if and when it becomes vacant.
The company’s market share must be increased, so the business manager must devise strategies to do so. In team discussions led the manager to formulate action plans that will lead to increased sales or revenue, an assistant business manager typically plays a prominent role. In some cases, the assistant manager will seek out and present feedback and suggestions from other employees to the manager. During company presentations, the business manager usually leads the discussion, but the assistant manager may cover specific topics or provide relevant data to the manager as needed.
The assistant business manager performs similar duties to other departmental employees on a daily basis. An assistant may make sales calls to clients and prospects in person or over the phone. The manager may set individual sales or revenue-related goals for the assistant to meet, but in many cases, he or she is also responsible for the department’s overall performance. Both the manager and the assistant manager in many organizations are paid commissions based on the workload and job performance of the entire department.
Many companies delegate operational responsibilities to the business manager, such as safety, budgeting, and security. The assistant manager has the authority to conduct monthly audits and report the results to the manager. In the absence of a more senior member of staff, an assistant business manager may be expected to travel on behalf of the company and represent it at seminars or business events.
In the absence of the manager, the assistant business manager is responsible for handling any client issues, making pricing and staff scheduling decisions, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department. An assistant manager has the authority to take disciplinary action against other employees if necessary. In most cases, he or she can only hire or fire employees if the business manager is going to be out of the office for an extended period of time.