All,
Apologies if this thread has been posted in the wrong section. Mods can feel free to move it as necessary.
I am hoping that someone might be able to provide me with an independent view on a debate I am currently having with my
HR manager as to whether I have ever been a manager at the company.
I was employed through an employment agency to the role of Accounts Payable Manager (as stated on my contract) approximately four years ago. The role had three direct reports across two countries. During my time in the position I signed a contract for a new employee, and I was also involved in a dismissal to the level of inviting the staff member into a meeting with myself and the then
HR manager to advise that the staff member was being let go. I would note that I did not sign any termination papers - I assume this was done by the
HR manager.
My key areas of responsibility varied however a section was specifically related to the management of accounts payable. I was also advised by my manager at the time that I could make changes to the department as I saw fit, however any major changes should be discussed prior to being rolled out.
Some time ago, I moved into a new role which did not involve a contract re-write but rather a letter stating that my title and salary had changed however everything else was as per my original contract. The person back filling me was recruited to the position of Accounts Payable Team Leader and the recruitment form states 'The revised role bears slightly less responsibility than the incumbent...'.
Sometime after my change of role, I requested a letter from the
HR department stating that I was employed in a managerial position. I received a letter on company letterhead, signed by the
HR exec stating the date I had joined the company, the two roles that I had had so far and that I had been in a managerial position for the duration of my time with the company. This staff member has recently gone on maternity leave.
Last week, I approached the
HR manager to request that the letter be re-written with current date. The reason for the letter is as backup for entry onto an MBA program which states a minimum requirement of 5 years management experience for entry.
I was told by the
HR manager that I was not and have never been in a managerial position. The letter was a mistake, the fact that I had signed an employment contract for a staff member didn't mean anything because it would have been someone above me that actually approved the position, and that I had never dismissed anyone - I had only sat in on a dismissal as a third person.
He advised that there was nothing (other than the mistaken letter) that I would ever have received that stated that I was in a managerial position, and positions are based off banding grades which are kept in the payroll system but that are never conveyed to staff. He stated that I cannot just assume that I am a manager because I have the word 'manager' in my title and that perhaps I should reassess my importance within the organisation.
So, my question is, in the opinion of the people reading this, have I ever been in a managerial position? What is the technical definition? I do not want to get into an argument with my
HR department over this, however I would like to seek some third party opinions on the matter as it has left me feeling a little flat to say the least. I have gone from being ready to submit my application for entry onto an MBA program to finding that I am 3.5 years away from entry after a future promotion that takes me to what my
HR department considers management level.
Your input on this would be welcome, and I am happy to elaborate on any part, although I will refrain from releasing any information on the organisation in question.
Regards,
Andrew
