Administrative Manager

County of San Luis Obispo; California; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Luis Obispo is seeking an Administrative Manager to oversee and coordinate operations across Human Resources/Payroll, Operations and Building Support, Safety, Training, and Communications.

The role provides leadership, strategic direction, and oversight to ensure resources are aligned with department goals, compliance, and efficient service delivery. Responsibilities include policy development, process improvements, and collaboration with divisions and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in business/public administration or closely related field.
• Two years as Administrative Officer or similar, with two years in lead/supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee administrative, financial, budgetary, and HR functions.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for assigned areas.
• Coordinate training and policy manuals.
• Advise on legislation, regulations, and county policies.
• Monitor programs for financial effectiveness and efficiency.
• Supervise and develop assigned staff.

Skills

Administrative leadership

Budget management

HR administration

Policy development

Communication skills

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/public administration

2 years lead/supervisory experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Accounting software

Job description

Who We Are

The Department of Planning and Building oversees dynamic projects involving land use and building in the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. With over 100 staff, the Planning and Building team performs all land use planning and construction permitting functions including policies, programs, permitting, environmental review and zoning enforcement.

Position

The position will oversee and coordinate the operations of several essential administrative functions, including Human Resources/Payroll, Operations and Building Support, Safety, Training, and Communications. The incumbent will provide dedicated leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to ensure these functions are effectively managed, appropriately resourced, and aligned with the department’s overall goals, priorities, and service delivery needs. This position will play a critical role in promoting consistency, accountability, efficiency, and coordination across multiple operational areas. Responsibilities will include overseeing administrative processes, supporting the development and implementation of policies and procedures, identifying opportunities for operational improvements, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, requirements, and departmental standards. The Administrative Manager will also facilitate communication and collaboration among divisions, supervisors, staff, and other stakeholders.

Typical Tasks and Representative Duties

(Not in order of importance)

• Directs and oversees administrative, financial, budgetary, and human resources functions of a designated department or division; establishes, implements, and evaluates policies and programs; ensures activities comply with department standards and legal requirements; identifies needs and implements improvements to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Manages office and business activities, flow of information, and communication; develops and evaluates procedures, projects, and objectives; organizes automation and process improvement activities for administrative and functional areas; leads the development and implementation of projects, contracts, goals, services, and activities; ensures proper and timely resolution of issues, conflicts, and discrepancies.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of narrative, financial, and statistical records, reports, and documents; develops and coordinates training.
• Formulates and develops policies, procedures, and programs related to assigned areas; ensures the preparation and revision of policy and procedural manuals.
• Advises departmental leadership on the impact of new or pending legislation, regulations, and Countywide policies; coordinates implementation of changes to ensure organizational compliance.
• Monitors and assesses department programs, services, and operations for financial effectiveness and operational efficiency and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; interviews and selects employees; recommends appointments, reassignments, and disciplinary actions; assigns and reviews work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies and performance standards.
• Collaborates and communicates with the public, departments, businesses, and external agencies to share information, coordinate efforts, and resolve a variety of issues.
• May manage and participate in the development of the annual department budget; reviews and analyzes budgetary and financial data; authorizes expenditures in accordance with established limitations; oversees a large division or department’s fiscal operations, including grants, contracts, and accounting activities through coordination with or direct supervision of financial and support staff.
• May manage departmental human resources activities; collaborates with central Human Resources on organizational development, recruitment and retention, leave management, and disciplinary actions; administers disciplinary processes, including drafting and reviewing disciplinary actions on behalf of departmental management in accordance with established procedures and standards.
• May supervise departmental information technology staff or serve as a liaison for automation activities with central Information Technology or external vendors; ensures the effective use of automated systems to support departmental operations; assists in the implementation and maintenance of automated processes; evaluates administrative systems and services for effectiveness and efficiency and recommends improvements.
• May oversee the preparation and dissemination of media or public-facing communications, reports, and other informational materials related to departmental operations, programs, or services.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced, strategic, and collaborative administrative leader with a demonstrated ability to oversee complex, multifaceted operations and lead diverse administrative functions. They possess strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to establish priorities, manage competing demands, and ensure resources are effectively aligned to meet organizational goals. The successful candidate brings a broad understanding of human resources, payroll, operations, facilities and building support, workplace safety, employee training, and communications, along with the sound judgment and administrative expertise necessary to guide these functions effectively. They are skilled at developing and implementing policies and procedures, strengthening operational processes, promoting accountability and consistency, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational standards. The ideal candidate is also a collaborative and approachable leader who builds strong working relationships across divisions and with employees at all levels, fosters a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement, and translates departmental priorities into effective, efficient, and responsive administrative services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, accounting, or a closely related field. In addition, two years as an Administrative Officer or other progressively responsible professional-level experience in finance or accounting, human resources, or other administrative functions, including two years in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certificates:

Certain positions within this classification may require driving. Positions that require driving as an essential job function will be communicated in the job posting. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid California driver’s license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices and procedures
• Principles, practices, and techniques involved in administrative, financial, budgetary, and human resources management activities
• Principles and best practices of governmental budget preparation and control, including forecasting, revenue and expenditure analysis, fund accounting, and multi-year financial planning
• Methods and procedures for grant, contract, and procurement administration, including compliance monitoring and financial oversight
• Use of automated systems and data management techniques to support administrative, fiscal, and operational functions
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Project management and evaluation
• Research, analysis, and statistical evaluation techniques
• Laws and best practices of human resources management
• Effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Principles, practices, and procedures of supervision, leadership, mentoring, evaluation, training, team dynamics, and team building

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of professional activities involved in the overall administrative, financial, budgetary, and human resources management activities of a designated department or division
• Manage and organize office and business activities and flow of communications and information to ensure effective and efficient activities
• Collect, interpret, and evaluate budgetary, statistical, and accounting data
• Independently prepare, administer, and monitor budgets, including reviewing expenses, projecting revenues, and ensuring compliance with established fiscal policies and procedures
• Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend or implement effective solutions
• Use a variety of software applications and department-specific systems to perform assigned tasks
• Promote an organized, professional, and safety-conscious work environment
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a diverse population of individuals and groups
• Foster effective and positive working relationships with individuals from diverse perspectives by demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, effective communication, advisory expertise, mediation, conflict resolution, and consensus building

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.