Administrasjonssjef

Administrasjonssjef, commonly translated as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) or head of administration, is a senior executive responsible for coordinating and managing an organization’s internal support functions. The role centers on ensuring efficient operations, governance, compliance, and high-quality service delivery across administrative areas rather than external business development.

Key responsibilities typically include overseeing finance and accounting support, human resources, information technology, facilities and security, procurement, and contract management. The administrasjonssjef develops and enforces policies and internal controls, manages budgets for administrative functions, and seeks process improvements to reduce costs and increase efficiency. They often lead risk management, data protection and compliance initiatives, and coordinate governance activities such as reporting to the executive leadership team and the board.

Reporting lines vary by organization. In many private companies, the administrasjonssjef reports to the CEO (administrerende direktør) and collaborates closely with the CFO, CIO, and HR director. In public sector or nonprofit contexts, the role may be titled differently but serves a similar function of ensuring reliable internal operations and compliance across departments.

Qualifications typically include a university degree in business administration, economics, law, or a related field, accompanied by extensive experience in administration, operations, or corporate services. Strong leadership, project management, financial literacy, and communication skills are important, as is the ability to align administrative work with strategic objectives and risk management.

In practice, the title and scope of the administrasjonssjef can vary by organization. In larger firms, the role may resemble a COO focused on internal operations, while in smaller entities it may carry broader responsibilities across multiple support functions.