what is an assistant manager?
As an assistant manager, you have a varied and responsible role. You take on demanding administrative and communication tasks. In your position, you support and relieve the senior management in running the company. You are the first point of contact for clients, employees, and the executive team. Your responsibilities also include preparing events, projects, and workshops. Thanks to your organisational skills, you keep an overview even in hectic situations. As a link to management, you work closely with all departments, whether marketing, finance, or HR. You handle problems discreetly with middle management and present results to the executive team. Over time, you develop from an assistant manager into a key figure within the company. If the role of executive assistant sounds like a good fit for you, then keep reading to find out what makes you successful as an assistant manager.
assistant manager jobsworking as an assistant manager.
As an assistant manager, you're a versatile all-rounder. Your main goal is to support the management in all areas. Therefore, your tasks are quite diverse. Find out more about your responsibilities as an assistant manager.
-
your area of responsibility
As an assistant manager, your main responsibilities include:
- Organising projects: as the right hand of management, you often coordinate projects. You are either directly responsible or share responsibility with your boss for their implementation. You ensure that the right team members are involved in the project. Typically, you develop a project plan with a realistic schedule. You monitor progress against key milestones to ensure the project stays on track. Any deviations are explained and justified. Together with the team, you work to remove obstacles and successfully complete the project.
- External communication: whether you're selling products or offering services, you're dealing with customers. Usually, the sales department ensures satisfied clients. Sometimes, customers insist on speaking directly with management. In those cases, you address their concerns and needs. The same applies to communication with business partners and suppliers. If the specialist department can't find a solution, you step in to handle all matters and find a resolution.
- Internal communication: as the link between management and employees, you are responsible for fostering respectful communication. This includes providing transparent information, facilitating dialogues, and organising meetings. In doing so, you optimise organisational processes and prevent misunderstandings.
- First point of contact: as assistant manager, you are the first point of contact for employees. If there are conflicts in certain areas, you listen to the staff. You know how to communicate empathetically. In this way, you help to resolve issues and prevent conflicts. Even unfulfilled needs of employees are guided in the right direction by you. You act as a mediator between staff and management.
-
who are your colleagues?
In your role as assistant manager, you work with all areas of the company. There are interfaces with accounting, marketing, HR, and customer service. Through your coordination and mediating function, you stay in contact with all departments. You know exactly who the right contact person is for each matter. This helps you to assemble project teams competently. Additionally, you are familiar with the internal networks. You are aware of how to steer information effectively. If, for example, there are conflicts between accounting and sales, you suggest a solution that satisfies all parties. Together with your colleagues, you make a significant contribution to the company's success as an assistant manager.
types of assistant managers.
As an assistant manager, you work in a business or administrative environment. You can also choose to specialise in a specific area such as marketing or quality management. Alternatively, you might be a versatile all-rounder in the hospitality industry. As an assistant manager, you have various focus areas, such as:
- Hotel executive assistant: In the hospitality industry, you're not selling products. A hotel thrives on services. You plan and organise the offerings and processes in a way that ensures your guests are satisfied and want to return. In doing so, you support the goal of optimal occupancy. If there are any complaints, you take care of finding an acceptable solution.
- Technical assistant manager: as an assistant manager, you focus on technology and technical systems. Depending on the size and specialization of the company, your responsibilities may vary. For example, you might handle programming, commissioning, and maintenance of computer systems. In manufacturing technology, you work with CNC programs, create designs, and ensure the quality of machines or production equipment.
- Management assistant in administration: even in administration, you’ll find exciting tasks as a management assistant. For example, you support the directorate in a government secretariat. Section heads, deputy directors, and specialist advisors rely on your support. Your role is to ensure an efficient and smooth workflow. This includes planning and organising events, international trips, meetings, and visits from foreign delegations. You coordinate all appointments within the directorate. Typically, you also handle office and business controlling. You are the first point of contact for all departments.
salary as assistant manager.
On the popular job platforms, you'll find a wide range of salaries for assistant managers. This is mainly because many factors influence your gross salary. Large companies tend to pay more than small businesses. The industry also plays a role in your pay. Your education and work experience have a significant impact. As a starting salary, you can expect around 80,000 CHF per year. That’s roughly 6,100 CHF per month, including a 13th month bonus. Find out more here about your gross salary as an assistant manager.
-
how much do I earn as an assistant manager in a permanent position?
As an assistant manager, your gross salary ranges between CHF 60,000 and CHF 120,000 per year. That amounts to roughly CHF 4,600 to CHF 9,200 per month. A 13th salary is included, which has become the standard rather than the exception. If you hold a position of absolute trust and carry significant responsibility, higher salaries are definitely possible. With a bachelor's degree, you typically earn more than with a Swiss Federal VET diploma. The more professional experience you gain, the higher your salary will be. The region where you work also plays a key role. Large companies in Zurich tend to pay much more than those in Geneva. If you're a personal assistant to the management and often travel abroad, you may receive additional allowances. Further training and increased responsibilities can also boost your salary further.
-
in which industry do I earn the most as an assistant manager?
Financial service providers, the pharmaceutical industry, and the ICT sector pay assistant managers the best. But you also receive a fair salary at the State Secretariat, especially if you often accompany your boss on international trips. Your salary is significantly lower in the hospitality industry. However, in that sector, you’re a versatile all-rounder and generally have more skills. Additionally, you benefit from numerous in-kind benefits in the hospitality industry, which can considerably boost your monthly base salary.
training and further education as assistant manager.
You don't become an assistant manager overnight; you grow into the role. A solid foundation is provided by a commercial apprenticeship EFZ and several years of professional experience. Many educational institutions offer part-time further training to support your development. The qualifications are as diverse as the providers: vocational baccalaureate (BP) with a federal diploma, IFA, or VSK. In two to four semesters, you will learn everything you need for your future responsibilities. This includes work organisation, IT and information management, communication, project management, and entrepreneurial understanding. With this knowledge, you'll be well prepared for your role as a directorial assistant. Gaining practical experience in the workplace is an essential part of your learning journey.
position as assistant manager.
Assistant managers are in demand in industry, commerce, administration, and the hospitality sector. There are many opportunities to specialise in these areas. Depending on your interests, you might choose real estate or human resources. If you've always been passionate about the hospitality industry, exciting roles await you there. Through Randstad, you can find open positions across all sectors. Are you looking for an attractive role with prospects? You’ll find such and other job offers right here.
positions for career changers as assistant manager.
With further training to become an assistant manager, you have excellent prospects of advancing into a management position. But there are also other ways to stand out as a director’s assistant. Career changers with several years of commercial work experience are also in high demand. You’ll acquire the necessary expertise through on-the-job training, with your boss supporting you along the way. If you need to develop additional skills, you can attend courses. If you also demonstrate motivation and a thirst for knowledge, you’re perfectly suited for the role of assistant manager.
career opportunities and development potential as an assistant manager.
Your further education as a director’s assistant is a great stepping stone for your career progression. If you prove yourself in your role and acquire deeper knowledge, it’s time for the next move. You could specialise as a quality manager or take on a specific area within human resources. If you’re aiming to become a manager yourself, there are various paths available. Training centres, higher vocational schools, and universities of applied sciences offer numerous options. For example, how about pursuing a higher vocational diploma as a certified business administrator or an expert in organisation management? This will give you a broad foundation and good prospects for a position in middle management. For a role in upper management, companies generally require a university degree. With a bachelor of science (FH) in business administration, you’ll have solid prerequisites.
skills as an assistant manager.
As assistant manager, you primarily impress with your organisational talent and professional expertise. Other important skills include:
- Communication skills: in your role as assistant manager, everything revolves around communication. You exchange ideas with your colleagues, act as a bridge between staff and management. You approach people openly and have no qualms about engaging with others. You understand that a strong network is the key to success. Building and maintaining contacts is part of your daily routine.
- Team spirit: You can only succeed as an assistant manager if you're a team player. You can't achieve anything on your own. You need colleagues to successfully implement projects and company goals. Good manners help you in this. You treat colleagues and management with respect and appreciation. This way, you gain their support for your initiatives.
- Reliability: whatever your bosses task you with, you can be counted on. You handle all matters and ensure they are carried out reliably. Whether you're setting up appointments, preparing meetings, or launching projects, you take your responsibilities seriously.
- Discretion: as an executive assistant, you hold a position of trust. You gain insights into the company structures and decision-making processes like no one else. Your bosses expect absolute loyalty and confidentiality in return. As a link to the staff, you pass on information diplomatically.
benefits of working as an assistant manager at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work at Randstad as an assistant manager:
✓ exciting jobs with well-known companies
✓ a reliable contact person whenever you need one, personal advice really matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ continuing education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed-term contract? Often, there’s a chance to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.
Your professional development budget as assistant manager at Randstad.
If you work as an assistant manager for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the TempTraining program from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your Randstad advisor is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job-specific knowledge, all during your working hours as an assistant manager.
application tips for assistant managers at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as an assistant manager? It’s not just your qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Carefully prepared, error-free, and personalized documents will definitely support you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to improve your chances:
-
find an assistant manager position
Browse through Randstad's job offers. If you don't find a position that fits you perfectly, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation or to create a Randstad profile.
-
apply as assistant manager
The job ad continues right away: Apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete.
✓ CV with photo
✓ work references & diplomasYou don't have a CV yet or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free Online Free Template template.
-
preparing for a job interview as assistant manager
Good preparation will help you stay calm during the interview for the assistant manager position.
Here are some tips for your job interview.
most frequently asked questions.
Here you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about the role of assistant manager.
-
what does an assistant manager do?
As an assistant manager, you are a true organisational talent. You don’t shy away from any responsibility. As the right hand of management, you take on challenging tasks. You support the leadership team and act as the link to the employees. You can be relied upon, whether you’re solving problems or initiating projects. Loyal and committed, you help management implement company goals. Does this sound exciting to you? Find out more about your role as an executive assistant here.
-
how much do I earn as an assistant manager?
Your gross salary as assistant manager ranges between 60,000 and 120,000 CHF per year. This means you would have between 4,600 and 9,200 CHF deposited into your account each month. The wide range is due to various factors influencing your salary. Your education, years of professional experience, and the company you choose all contribute to increasing your gross income. The region where you look for a job also plays a significant role. Read more here about your gross salary as an assistant manager.
-
is assistant manager a good profession?
If providing service is a mindset and shapes your actions, then you’re the right fit as an assistant manager. With conviction, loyalty, and organisational talent, you help implement company goals. You keep all the strings in your hands. Your demanding tasks make your daily work varied and interesting. You gain insights into corporate management like no one else. Plus, working as an assistant manager is a great stepping stone to a leadership position. Interested in working as an executive assistant? Keep reading to find out what awaits you.
-
is being an assistant manager difficult?
In your role as assistant manager, you take on responsibility. Organising and communicating come naturally to you. You are a self-driven individual who stays calm even in hectic times. Listening and mediating are your strengths and never a burden. If that sounds like you, you'll enjoy your challenging profession. It offers you valuable insights into company management. Plus, you'll build networks that will pay off for you. To find out what makes the assistant manager role attractive, read on this page.
-
do you need experience to become an assistant manager?
An assistant manager is a further qualification, not a profession you learn from scratch. You definitely need work experience to qualify. You gain your technical knowledge through an apprenticeship in commercial studies (EFZ) or via university studies. Everything that makes you a good executive assistant is developed through practical work experience. In further training courses, you deepen your expertise and hone your social skills. Career changers with several years of professional experience also have excellent prerequisites. Are you unsure whether you’re cut out to be an assistant manager? Read more here about the skills and competencies of an executive assistant.
-
what requirements do I need to meet to become an assistant manager?
To become an assistant manager, you bring a commercial basic education, work experience, or a Gymnasiale Matura. A bachelor’s or master’s degree also provides a solid foundation to pursue this training. You acquire the necessary expertise during your training as an assistant manager. However, that alone isn’t enough to succeed in the profession. You also bring additional personal skills such as reliability, organisational talent, and team spirit. Equipped with the right know-how and motivation, nothing stands in the way of your success as an assistant manager. Curious career changers are also welcome to explore interesting opportunities through Randstad. Discover our current openings for assistant managers here.
-
how do I apply for an open position as assistant manager?
Your application for the assistant manager position is straightforward. Create a Randstad profile and browse our job portal for open positions in your area. Found an interesting offer? Then send us your cover letter, CV, and certificates right away. Need help with your application? Our application tips will guide you to put together a compelling application.
