Position Descriptions

    Free Position Description (Office Manager) Template

    Download our free Position Description (Office Manager) template (DOCX & PDF). Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and WHS duties for your key admin staff.

    September 16, 20263 min read17 viewsLast reviewed September 2026Licensing terms (PDF)

    Free Position Description (Office Manager) Template

    DOCX • 136 KB + PDF

    Updated Oct 2026

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    Free Position Description (Office Manager) Template — document preview

    Purpose of the Free Position Description (Office Manager) Template

    A well-drafted Position Description is a cornerstone of effective people management and workplace safety. This free Position Description (Office Manager) template provides a structured starting point for organisations to clearly define the role, responsibilities, reporting lines, and authority of their Office Manager.

    Using a detailed PD helps to align the employee's duties with business objectives, sets clear performance expectations, and formalises their specific WHS obligations. The Office Manager often plays a crucial role in coordinating and maintaining effective WHS management systems, making it vital that these responsibilities are explicitly documented.

    This template is designed to help you articulate the key functions of the role, from general administration and facilities management to supporting HR and finance functions. By establishing these details from the outset, you create a foundation for a safer, more organised, and more productive workplace.

    It serves as a vital tool during recruitment, onboarding, performance reviews, and succession planning.

    How to use the Free Position Description (Office Manager) Template

    This resource is available for download as a DOCX file for easy editing and a PDF for stable viewing and distribution. To get the most out of the template, you should open the DOCX version and methodically work through each section, tailoring the content to reflect the specific context of your business, its structure, and its unique operational risks.

    Important: This is a template, not a finished document. We have provided a comprehensive framework, but you must customise it to your workplace.

    Generic position descriptions are often ineffective and can overlook critical duties. If you require assistance in adapting this document or developing role-specific safety responsibilities, consider engaging our WHS consulting services for expert guidance.

    Integrating with Business Systems

    For organisations committed to best practice, the Office Manager's role is often integral to maintaining certifications and management system standards. This PD can be adapted to include responsibilities related to international standards for occupational health and safety.

    If your business is pursuing or maintaining certification, clarifying these duties is essential for successful ISO 45001 consulting and implementation.

    When to use it

    A Position Description for an Office Manager should be used in several key situations. The most obvious is during the recruitment process when advertising a new role and interviewing candidates.

    It should then be provided to the successful candidate as part of their employment contract and onboarding pack. It is also an essential document for conducting regular performance appraisals, as it provides objective criteria against which performance can be measured. Furthermore, this PD should be reviewed and updated whenever there is a significant change in the role’s duties, or as part of a routine review process, which is often a component of WHS compliance auditing.

    Who should use it

    This template is designed for use by anyone with responsibility for recruitment, human resources, or administration within a business. This typically includes:

    • Business Owners
    • Directors and General Managers
    • Human Resources (HR) Managers
    • Operations Managers
    • Senior leadership responsible for defining organisational structure

    It provides these leaders with a professional, structured document to ensure consistency and clarity when defining one of the most pivotal support roles in any organisation. For more templates and safety documents, browse our complete free WHS resources library.

    Common mistakes

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Using a generic template without customising it to the specific business and its risks.
    • Failing to include specific, measurable WHS responsibilities and accountabilities.
    • Neglecting to have the employee review, sign, and date the position description to confirm their understanding.
    • Forgetting to review and update the document regularly, leading to it becoming outdated and irrelevant.

    Legal references

    Legal considerations

    The following legal requirements may be relevant to this type of work.

    • Work Health and Safety Act (Harmonised) — Provides the primary duties for protecting workers and other people from work health and safety risks.
    • Work Health and Safety Regulations (Harmonised) — Sets out requirements supporting the management of workplace hazards and risks.

    The following codes may be relevant to this type of work.

    • Managing WHS Risks Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying effective controls.
    • Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on consulting workers and coordinating with other duty holders.
    • Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on safe work environments, workplace facilities and related controls.

    Did you know

    A Pivotal Role

    Studies have shown that effective administrative support, a core function of an Office Manager, can increase a team's overall productivity by 10-15% by allowing other staff to focus on their primary duties.

    Office Hazards

    According to Safe Work Australia, slips, trips, and falls are the most common cause of injury in office environments, highlighting the importance of a designated person to oversee hazard identification and housekeeping.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    01Why is WHS important in an Office Manager's position description?
    The Office Manager is often a key person for coordinating WHS activities in an office environment, such as managing first aid kits, acting as a fire warden, or coordinating ergonomic assessments. Clearly documenting these duties ensures they are not overlooked and that the person understands their safety responsibilities.
    02Can I use this template for a 'Practice Manager' or 'Admin Manager'?
    Yes, this template provides a strong foundation for similar roles like Practice Manager, Administration Manager, or Operations Coordinator. You will need to carefully customise the duties, responsibilities, and title to match the specific requirements of your organisation.
    03How often should I review a Position Description?
    Position Descriptions should be reviewed at least annually during performance reviews, or whenever there is a significant change to the role. This ensures the document remains an accurate reflection of the employee's duties and responsibilities.
    04What qualifications should an Office Manager have?
    This varies greatly by industry and company size. Common qualifications include a Certificate IV or Diploma in Business Administration, along with demonstrated experience in office management, proficiency with office software, and strong organisational and communication skills.

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    How To Use It

    1. 1Download and open in Word or PDF.
    2. 2Replace the placeholders with your business details.
    3. 3Get it reviewed by a WHS specialist before rollout.
    Get a document review

    Need it customised?

    Our WHS consultants can adapt this template to your site, run a gap analysis, or audit what you already have in place.

    Book a Free Consultation WHS consulting services

    or call 1300 156 382

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