Understanding the Distinction Between Manager and Head of Roles in Business

The terms 'manager' and 'head of' are commonly used in business and management to describe different levels of leadership. However, their exact definitions can vary significantly depending on the context, company size, and organizational structure. This article aims to clarify the differences between these two roles and provide insights into how they fit into the broader corporate hierarchy.

Manager: Leadership at the Slicing Level

A manager typically refers to an individual responsible for overseeing a specific team or project within a department. This role often involves a layer of leadership that sits between higher managerial positions and individual staff members. Managers are tasked with ensuring that their teams meet organizational goals and deadlines. They are often responsible for guiding, motivating, and developing their team members to achieve these objectives.

Example: In a retail home supply chain, a manager of the plumbing department oversees the team that manages the inventory, resolves issues, and supports customer needs in that area. They report to the Store Manager and possibly the Assistant Managers, who are at a higher level in the organizational structure.

Head of: Leadership at the Apex of Functions

The term 'head of' generally refers to a senior leadership position that oversees a department or function. This role often indicates a level of authority and responsibility that extends beyond just managing people. 'Head of' roles are typically responsible for ensuring the overall functioning and success of their department or project.

Example: In a public school, a department chair might manage operations within a specific academic department, such as English or Math, whereas the school principal has broader managerial authority over the entire institution. Similarly, in a large retail company, a 'head of electrical' would be responsible for all electrical-related functions, which could involve coordination with multiple departments and decision-making.

Contextual Differences

The distinction between 'manager' and 'head of' roles can be subtle and nuanced, depending on the specific context. In smaller organizations, roles might be more fluid, and titles might overlap. For instance, a 'head of' a department in a small company might manage people, projects, and processes, effectively taking on the responsibilities of a 'manager' role in a larger organization.

Another key difference lies in the level of decision-making authority. A 'head of' role often implies a higher level of influence and decision-making ability within the organization, much more so than a 'manager' role. For example, in a corporate environment, the person ranked higher on the corporate ladder might 'win' in cases of roughhousing or conflict, indicating a higher level of power and influence.

Flexibility and Hierarchical Freedom

The terms 'head of' and 'manager' offer flexibility in defining and assigning responsibilities. A 'head of a role' might have more freedom to define and shape responsibilities, especially in cross-functional teams or large enterprises. For example, a 'head of communications' can oversee cross-departmental activities, which a 'manager of communications' would not typically do. This role might involve multiple VP's across different subsidiaries, as the 'head of' can be a high-level executive overseeing various functions.

In contrast, a 'Manager' of a specific department is more confined to the responsibilities within that department, such as the manager of the communications department focusing solely on internal communications.

Conclusion

In summary, while both 'manager' and 'head of' roles indicate leader positions, they differ in their scope of authority and responsibilities. Managers typically have roles that are more specific and bounded by departmental limits, whereas 'heads of' have a broader scope that may span multiple departments and decision-making authority. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for career progression and effective organizational management.

For more information on corporate hierarchy, cross-functional roles, and leadership positions, continue exploring our resources and articles.