Managers work in many different areas, so their daily duties depend on the organisation. A shop manager may organise staff rotas and stock, while an office manager may arrange meetings and manage supplies. Important skills include communication, organisation, decision making, confidence and listening. You can start preparing by taking responsibility in school projects, clubs or sports teams.
Managers in the UK often earn between GBP 30,000 and GBP 70,000 a year. Senior managers can earn more than GBP 100,000, depending on the industry and organisation.
Managers usually work about 35 to 40 hours a week. Some work evenings, weekends or extra hours when there are important deadlines.
The UK has several million people working in management, leadership and business-related jobs. Managers are needed in shops, offices, factories, hospitals, schools, hotels and charities.
There is no single qualification needed to become a manager. Many people begin in an entry-level job and gain experience before taking management training or a college or university course.
Organises a shop team, helps customers and makes sure products are available and displayed well.
Plans training, supports players and helps a sports team prepare for matches and competitions.
Plans and organises events such as concerts, festivals and school activities.
Practise speaking clearly, listening carefully and writing useful messages.
Managers need to explain tasks, give feedback and share information with different people. You can build these skills through class presentations, group projects, reading and writing activities.
Join clubs, sports or school projects where you need to work with other people.
Team activities can help you understand how people have different strengths and ideas. Try to be reliable, include others and help the group complete its goals.
Use a timetable, diary or digital planner to manage homework and activities.
Managers often handle several tasks at once. Planning your time can help you meet deadlines, decide which jobs are most important and avoid forgetting responsibilities.
Find out about managers in areas such as retail, hospitality, finance, construction and technology.
The daily work of a manager depends on the industry. A shop manager may organise staff and stock, while a project manager may plan work and track deadlines.
Speak with teachers, family members or other adults about how they organise people and tasks.
Ask what decisions they make, which skills they use and what challenges they face. Careers events, school visits and work experience can also help you learn about management.
Volunteer to organise a school event, group presentation or fundraising activity.
Start with a small responsibility. Make a simple plan, share jobs fairly, check progress and thank people for their help. These activities provide useful examples for future applications.
Consider subjects that develop business, communication, mathematics and problem solving skills.
Useful subjects may include business studies, English, mathematics, information technology, economics and subjects linked to the industry you prefer. Your school or college can help you choose suitable options.
Look at college courses, apprenticeships or university degrees linked to business or a chosen industry.
You could study business, management, hospitality, retail, engineering or another subject related to your career interests. Apprenticeships can combine classroom learning with paid workplace experience.
Apply for volunteering, part time work or work experience to learn how workplaces operate.
Entry level jobs can teach you about customer service, stock control, teamwork and workplace rules. Keep a record of your responsibilities and the skills you develop.
Start as an assistant, team member, administrator or trainee in your chosen industry.
Many managers first learn the job by working as part of a team. Show that you are dependable, willing to learn and able to complete tasks accurately.
When you are ready, volunteer to train colleagues, organise tasks or support a small project.
Take on extra responsibilities carefully and ask for feedback. Learning how to delegate, solve problems and handle disagreements will prepare you for your first supervisory role.
Use your experience and achievements to apply for team leader, supervisor and manager positions.
Keep your CV up to date and describe clear examples of leadership, planning and problem solving. You may also complete professional training in areas such as health and safety, finance or people management.
A team leader guides a small group of workers, shares out tasks and helps the team complete its work.
A project manager plans and controls a project, including its timetable, budget, people and results.
An operations manager makes sure that the everyday activities of an organisation run smoothly and efficiently.
A human resources officer helps with recruitment, training, staff support and workplace policies.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2026 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze our traffic. Learn more.
