What are the types of manager within a company?

In the business environment, the figure of the manager is key to the success of any organisation. Every company needs leaders who can direct the different areas of the business, make strategic decisions and manage resources efficiently, regardless of its size or sector.

In this post, we look the main types of managers in a company. At the same time, we provide a useful guide for those considering studying an MBA in Madrid or an MBA in Valencia, qualifications that offer the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills to lead.

Definition of a manager

A manager within a company is the person responsible for overseeing, leading and ensuring that each department meets its objectives and is aligned with the overall strategy.

Their role involves managing teams and making decisions that can affect the financial performance, corporate culture and long-term growth of the company.

The importance of managers lies in their ability to define strategies, solve complex problems and lead change.

Types of manager in a company

There are several types of manager who hold key roles  in a company. Each has specific responsibilities that help the organisation run smoothly. The most important positions are described below:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The chief executive officer or CEO is the senior leader of the company. Their role includes setting the vision and strategic direction, managing investor relations and overseeing the overall performance of the organisation.

The CEO coordinates the efforts of all departments to ensure that the company achieves its long-term goals.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The CFO is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the company. This includes economic planning, risk management, budget control and financial reporting to management and investors.

The CFO is essential for the organisation to maintain its financial stability and to be able to make appropriate investment decisions for sustainable growth.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The COO is responsible for coordinating production, logistics and internal processes to ensure that the company runs optimally.

The COO is in charge of implementing the strategies designed by the CEO and confirming that day-to-day operations are aligned with the company's overall objectives.

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

The CMO designs and executes the company's marketing and communication strategies. His or her objective is to increase brand visibility, attract new customers and build customer loyalty through advertising campaigns, promotions and market positioning techniques.

The CMO must be in tune with market trends and be able to adapt marketing strategies to the rapidly changing business environment.

Head of Human Resources

The head of human resources (HR) manages talent within the company. They are responsible for recruiting, developing and retaining employees.

The HR manager is also responsible for fostering a healthy and productive work environment and ensuring that employees are aligned with the company's strategic objectives.

Chief technology officer (CTO)

The chief technology officer or CTO is responsible for managing the company's technology infrastructure and ensuring that the company is at the forefront of innovation.

Today, the role of the CTO is increasingly relevant in companies where technology plays a central role in day-to-day operations.

Other key management roles

In addition to the above-mentioned types of managers, there are other specialised positions in specific areas that are also critical to the success of the company. These include

• Chief Commercial Officer (CCO): responsible for sales and customer relations.
• Chief innovation officer (CIO): responsible for promoting innovation in products, processes or services.
• Sustainability manager: focused on implementing environmentally and socially responsible practices.

Coordination between the different types of managers in a company is important to ensure that all departments work in a cohesive way, contributing to the achievement of corporate objectives.

What skills does a good manager need?

A good manager needs a set of skills that enables them  to manage both the technical and human aspects within a company. Some of the most important competencies are:

• Leadership: a manager must inspire and motivate their team, creating a collaborative working environment.
• Decision-making: the ability to analyse information and make quick and effective decisions is fundamental to ensure the success of the company.
• Strategic vision: a manager must have a global vision of the company and know how their area of responsibility fits into the long-term objectives.
• Communication skills: it is vital that managers can communicate effectively with different levels of the organisation, as well as with partners and customers.
• Change management: in a constantly evolving business environment, managers must be able to lead change processes and adapt to new realities.
• Expertise: depending on the department they manage, business managers must have specific expertise (financial, technological, marketing, etc.) to make informed decisions.

What to study to become a manager?

There are many routes into a successful career as a manager within an organisation - some depend on experience while others need a more solid academic grounding. At Universidad Europea, you will get both. On our MBA programmes, as well as others such as Master In International Leadership And Negotiation, you will learn from experienced professionals working in their chosen field still today. 

As well as getting all the latest industry trends and knowledges from leaders across the business world, you will also have the opportunity to complete work placements at leading organisations, seeing first hand what you need to succeed and building up your own network of contacts.

The different types of managers in a company play key roles in the functioning and success of the organisation. From the CEO to managers of specific areas such as finance, marketing or human resources, they all contribute to the execution of the business strategy - and you could be the next in line to lead the change in your chosen organisation.