Administrative Officer

[Raffy]

Hi Everyone,

Last week, a new job title was released on our company. And it is quite unusual and something new to hear. What makes it unusual for all of us, is that the title "Administrative Officer" which handles all the managers on the following department: HR, Accounting and Shipping.
In view of this, I had a lot of concerns:
1. Is there any other title that could be recommended replacing the old title?
2. Do we still need to generate a job analysis in creating a new job description?
3. What confused me is word "Officer" on the title, does it mean that an Officer is above all the Managers? Would this title, create a conflict with regards to authority?

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Best regards,
Raffy

 

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Hi Raffy,

1: That would depend on the chores I suppose, but the word "secretary" comes to mind?

2: If you usually do that it would seem like a good idea.

3: No idea. But who appointed the person in question? You'll have to ask.

/Claes

 

[Randy Stewart]

What's in a name?

Raffy,
It has been my experience that an Officer is above Managers, in that they set company policies. Our Steering Committee is made up of Company Officers (Controller, President, VP, Plant Managers, etc.). So to attempt to answer your questions.

1) There may be many. It all depends on how it is defined within your organization.

2) Not to sound rude, but don't you think a description of responsibility is needed? If anything to set up the reporting network.

3) Our Department Managers answer to the Plant Manager. It could be a relationship similar. Our Plant "Managers" has more responsibility than our Deparment "Managers" eventhough the title is the same. Our Business Unit Managers have more responsibilities than our Program Managers etc. How is the relationship called out in the organization chart?

IMO titles are just to make people feel important so I don't tend to pay much attention to them. It is the interrelations of the positions that needs defined.