INTRODUCTION:

Welcome. You're listening to Links at Bain and Gray, a catalogue of podcasts centred on all things business support in the workplace. Our aim is to bring you interesting and relevant content that will keep you up to date and thriving in your role.

Livvy’s Journey to Becoming an Office Manager

Emily: Livvy, it's so lovely to have you here. Before we talk about your role as an Office Manager, what were you doing before this, and how did you get to where you are now?

Livvy: I’ve always been doing a bit of this and a bit of that, which suits the varied nature of the role. Before becoming an Office Manager, I was working as a secondary school English teacher. I studied English and History at university, did a year abroad, and always knew I wanted to work with kids. After university, I worked in a range of jobs, including market research and as a Special Needs Assistant, but after some time I wanted to challenge myself more creatively and use my degree in a different way. That's when I made the shift.

The Transition from Teaching to Office Management

Emily: What led you to teaching in the first place?

Livvy: I’ve always had a passion for working with kids, which started even before university when I worked in a nursery. I was an English teacher, but I was looking for something more creative and stimulating. So, after teaching, I took some yoga teaching qualifications and worked at a part-time art studio as an archivist. This led me into an office environment and sparked my interest in becoming an Office Manager.

Finding the Role of Office Manager

Emily: Did you wake up one day and say, I want to be an Office Manager?

Livvy: No, absolutely not! The role of Office Manager is so broad. I was initially exploring other paths like publishing, but after some interviews with Julia, one of your consultants, I landed this opportunity at Bain and Gray. It felt like the right fit, especially because someone recognised my potential from the range of jobs I’d done before.

Defining the Role of an Office Manager

Emily: Can you describe what an Office Manager does on a day-to-day basis?

Livvy: The role is really varied. On a Monday or Thursday, for example, it’s typically busy, especially when everyone's in the office. My routine includes invoicing, payroll for the temp team, and providing the team with breakfast. There’s also lots of ad-hoc creative projects, like designing a logo for a QR code. It's a dynamic job, and it keeps evolving as new tasks come up.

Attraction to the Role

Emily: What attracted you to the role?

Livvy: I like the variety. In teaching, there was routine, but it lacked the creativity I was craving. Here, I get to manage both routine tasks and also have the freedom to be creative with what I do and how I approach it.

Managing the Office and People

Emily: You manage the office, but you're also managing people. How does that work?

Livvy: Exactly. The people side is similar to managing a classroom, in a way. Balancing different personalities, demands, and requests while keeping the atmosphere light-hearted and upbeat is key. But things can get chaotic – like when there’s a tech issue, such as someone spilling water on their laptop!

Challenges of Being an Office Manager

Emily: What challenges do you face in the office?

Livvy: The biggest challenge is balancing all the demands – managing the office space, people, and the unexpected problems that arise, particularly with tech. Staying calm and keeping things positive is essential, especially when something urgent pops up.

The Most Rewarding Part of the Role

Emily: What do you find most rewarding about your role?

Livvy: I interact with everyone in the office, so I get a personal connection with the team. It's rewarding to be able to support others and keep the office running smoothly. I’m always on my feet, running around to make sure everything is in order.

Skills of an Office Manager

Emily: What qualities do you think make a good Office Manager?

Livvy: You need to be adaptable, social, and proactive. The role requires someone who enjoys variety, can think on their feet, and is good at juggling tasks. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a great fit for those who thrive on being active and supporting a team.

Career Progression After an Office Manager Role

Emily: Where can you go after being an Office Manager?

Livvy: The role offers many transferable skills, which can lead to other industries or roles like studio management, events management, or PA work. It’s a fantastic platform for career progression because it offers variety and the opportunity to discover what areas you enjoy most, like spreadsheets or event planning.

Advice for Aspiring Office Managers

Emily: What advice would you give to someone thinking about an Office Manager role?

Livvy: You don’t need specific qualifications or office management experience. If you’ve managed tasks in previous roles or worked with teams, you’ve likely already done a lot of what an Office Manager does. Be open-minded, confident, and willing to take on new challenges. If you enjoy a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, it could be a great fit.

Emily: Livvy, thank you so much for sharing your experience and insights. It’s been fantastic having you here today.

Livvy: Thanks for having me, Emily. It’s been a pleasure!