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Department manager

Also called unit manager, unit director, division manager

Department managers are responsible for the operations of a certain division or department of a company. They ensure objectives and goals are reached and manage employees.

Will there be jobs?Limited prospects18 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.Administrative and commercial managersWhat does it pay?Well above averageFrom about €3,500 (Romania) to €12,800 (Italy) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · Administrative and commercial managersWhat do I need to study?Usually a degree8 in 10 have a degree.Administrative and commercial managersWill AI change it?ModeratelyLevel 4 of 6. AI could take on part of some tasks, but none fully.Business services and administration managers not elsewhere classified · ILO

What you'd do

Business services and administration managers not elsewhere classified · ILO
  • Providing administrative, strategic planning and operational support, research and advice to senior management on matters such as the management of building facilities and administrative services
  • Developing and managing the organization's administrative and physical resources
  • Developing and implementing administrative and procedural statements and guidelines for use by staff in the organization
  • Analysing complex resource management issues and initiatives that affect the organization, and preparing associated reports, correspondence and submissions
  • Providing information and support for the preparation of financial reports and budgets
  • Leading, managing and developing administrative staff to ensure smooth business operations and the provision of accurate and timely information
  • Representing the enterprise or organization in negotiations, and at conventions, seminars, public hearings and forums
  • Establishing and managing budgets, controlling expenditure and ensuring the efficient use of resources
  • Planning and directing daily operations
  • Overseeing the selection, training and performance of staff
Strive for company growthFollow company standardsCollaborate in company's daily operationsConclude business agreementsReport on overall management of a business+ 8 more essential skills

Will there be jobs?

Limited prospects

Fewer jobs than in most work will need filling by 2035.

People working as administrative and commercial managers in the EU
2.6m3.02m2.85m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
660,000 replacing leavers 115,000 jobs disappear
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
Administrative and commercial managers18
All jobs29
Right now
1 of 27 countries report a shortage of business services and administration managers not elsewhere classified, 5 a surplus.
Business services and administration managers not elsewhere classified · EURES

What does it pay?

Well above average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €3,500 a month (Romania) to €12,800 (Italy), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among managers in the EU, women earn 27% less per hour than men. Managers · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Usually a degree

A degree in management and administration is the usual route.

Highest qualification of administrative and commercial managers (EU, 2025)
Degree 76%Vocational 14%General secondary 7%Basic schooling 2%
Field that teaches it
Management and administration
Vocational route, EU
3 in 10 trainees in this field
Business and law graduates in a matching job
66% in the EU

1,314 institutions in the EU offer business and law bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Moderately

AI could take on part of some tasks, but none fully.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.42 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 10 tasks
Providing information and support for the preparation of financial reports and budgets0.56
Developing and implementing administrative and procedural statements and guidelines for use by staff in the organization0.56
Analysing complex resource management issues and initiatives that affect the organization, and preparing associated reports, correspondence and submissions0.56
Developing and managing the organization's administrative and physical resources0.38
Representing the enterprise or organization in negotiations, and at conventions, seminars, public hearings and forums0.37
Leading, managing and developing administrative staff to ensure smooth business operations and the provision of accurate and timely information0.37
Planning and directing daily operations0.36
Establishing and managing budgets, controlling expenditure and ensuring the efficient use of resources0.36
Providing administrative, strategic planning and operational support, research and advice to senior management on matters such as the management of building facilities and administrative services0.35
Overseeing the selection, training and performance of staff0.30

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for business services and administration managers not elsewhere classified. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).