Levels of Managers

While there are many and varied titles for managers, the levels are easily identifiable.

Front line or First line managers

Working daily with the employees responsible for the bulk of the organization’s operations. They are supervising the individuals doing the work of serving customers, manufacturing or delivering the firm’s offerings and doing everything else that a firm does to serve customers and run its business.

Mid-level Managers or Middle Managers

Often have front line managers and supervisors reporting to them. They provide direction and offer support for these managers and have less daily involvement with operational issues. These middle managers serve as an interface between the employees and senior management as well as other functions.

Senior Managers

Are accountable for larger categories of a firm’s business or functions. They often have significant budgetary accountability and the authority to hire and fire on their teams.These managers work most often with top executives and other senior managers to support and ensure the proper implementation of a firm’s strategies and goals into operations. General Managers are often the highest ranking manager for a division of a business or for a site location. General Managers have profit and loss responsibility and are accountable for the unit’s results and strategic success. General Managers work closely with a firm’s corporate executives to ensure that the unit is delivering on commitments and supporting the larger goals of the firm. Executives (including the General Manager) are accountable for the development and implementation of a firm’s overarching strategy. They often report to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the CEO in turn reports to the Chairman of the Board. Executives are a firm’s senior leaders responsible for promoting overall direction and working with their team members to ensure employee engagement that promotes business growth.