Deciding Learning Levels

Management profiles explained

The following is given as an interpretation of ther main management levels that people work to, from supervisors to strategic players; the definitions should help to explain the range of differences.

Level 2: Team Leader / Supervisor Profile Overview

Level 2 Team Leaders are likely to be practitioners that work alongside other team members (typically a small group 6-12 people). They:

• focus on short-term day to day performance
• ensure output conforms to the requirements of the organisation and its customers
• serve as a communication link between team and managers
• are aware of the need to satisfy customer or supplier requirements
• plan work looking at the short-term future

For learners at Level 2 we recommend aspiring to the Level 3 Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) programme as this will develop the industry knowledge and management development skills that are essential for all aspiring managers and supervisors.

For an insight into this qualification, to review its format, content, programme schedule and pricing, choose the fast-track link in the right-hand column.

Level 3: First Line Manager Profile Overview

With a greater degree of autonomy than Team Leader, they:

• have a wide span of control, responsibility and authority
• supervise or lead a small number of others
• plan work looking at the mid-term: weeks or months ahead
• have to initiate actions in relation to the employment of others
• have to operate with less supervision and control by others
• need knowledge of specific requirements of customers / suppliers
• make subjective judgments
• understand relationships between people working together

For an insight into this qualification, to review its format, content, programme schedule and pricing, choose the fast-track link in the right-hand column.

Level 4: Middle Management

Level 4 qualifications are important development levels of management and personal progression and, in addition, qualifications developed at this level:

• develop new skills and responsibilities
• are more complex in the learning outcomes than those at Level 3
• consolidate learning and enhance the skills and knowledge with a more senior emphasis in preparation for career progression
• suit those First Line Managers who may possess a greater level of experience and who are planning to move into a Middle Manager’s role in due course

With a wider span of control than a First Line Manager, Middle Managers:

• frequently mediate with the end user
• engage in direct negotiation with internal / external customers
• are accountable for the performance of others
• are responsible for quality of services supplied by others
• hold some project leadership / resource allocation responsibility
• have financial accountability within their area of accountability
• authorise recurrent expenditure and on capital expenditure of defined limits
• are involved in recruitment, promotion and disciplining of staff with some freedom to manage this fully for junior staff
• report status and progress to higher management levels
• propose necessary developments and changes

For an insight into this qualification, to review its format, content, programme schedule and pricing, choose the fast-track link in the right-hand column.

Level 5: Experienced Middle manager / Aspiring Senior Manager

Level 5 qualifications are useful bridging stages between middle management and senior management positions. They are important stages of management and personal progression and, in addition, qualifications developed at this level:

• develop new skills and responsibilities than Middle Managers
• are more complex in the learning outcomes for the subjects studied than those at Level 4
• consolidate learning and enhance the skills and knowledge with a more senior emphasis in preparation for strategic planning
• suit those experienced or long-established Middle Managers who may possess a greater level of experience and who are planning to move into a Senior Manager’s role in due course

For an insight into this qualification, to review its format, content, programme schedule and pricing, choose the fast-track link in the right-hand column.

Level 6: Developing Senior Management

The Level 6 qualification is useful for those in a higher management position who have full responsibility for an organisation's property portfolio, who are instrumental in drafting business plans and who make decisions that influence business direction. The qualification is particularly to those who would like to have something to show for all the hard work they have put in over the years.

Level 6 qualifications recognise a specialist high level knowledge of an area of work or study to enable the use of an individual’s own ideas and research in response to complex problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the achievement of a high level of professional knowledge and is appropriate for people working as knowledge-based professionals or in professional management positions. Level 6 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Bachelor's degrees with honours, graduate certificates and graduate diplomas.

The qualification helps to consolidate their position and demonstrate that the actions they take are worthy of academic recognition.

Learners intending to undertake a qualification at this level will only be allowed to do so following a professional discussion with one of our tutors.