How to Say "management" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “management” is “administración” — use this word for the general process of organizing, controlling, and administering resources, systems, or organizations.
administración
Examples
La administración de los recursos naturales es un desafío global.
The management of natural resources is a global challenge.
gestión
Examples
La buena gestión del tiempo es clave para el éxito.
Good time management is key to success.
dirección
Examples
La dirección de la empresa aprobó el nuevo proyecto.
The company's management approved the new project.
manejo
ma-NE-homaˈnexo
Examples
El manejo de la crisis fue excelente, nadie perdió la calma.
The management of the crisis was excellent; nobody lost their cool.
Necesitas mejorar tu manejo del volante si quieres aprobar el examen.
You need to improve your handling of the steering wheel if you want to pass the exam.
El manual explica el manejo adecuado de las herramientas.
The manual explains the proper handling of the tools.
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'o', which often signals a masculine noun, it is always used with 'el' or 'un' (e.g., 'el manejo').
Noun of Action
This noun refers to the act or result of 'manejar' (to handle/manage), making it a very direct way to talk about skills or administration.
Using the wrong article
Mistake: “La manejo.”
Correction: El manejo. Remember, 'manejo' is masculine, so use 'el'.
coordinación
Examples
Necesitamos mejor coordinación entre los departamentos de ventas y marketing.
We need better coordination between the sales and marketing departments.
jefatura
heh-fah-TOO-rahxefaˈtuɾa
Examples
Ella asumió la jefatura del departamento el mes pasado.
She took over the leadership of the department last month.
Bajo su jefatura, la empresa creció mucho.
Under his leadership, the company grew a lot.
La jefatura decidió cambiar el horario de trabajo.
The management decided to change the work schedule.
Always Feminine
Even if the boss is a man, the word 'jefatura' is always feminine ('la jefatura').
The '-ura' Ending
In Spanish, the ending '-ura' is often used to turn a person (jefe) into a position or a role (jefatura).
Confusing the person with the role
Mistake: “Hablé con la jefatura sobre mi aumento.”
Correction: Hablé con el jefe sobre mi aumento.
administrativo
ad-mee-nees-tra-TEE-bohaðministɾaˈtiβo
Examples
El proceso administrativo es un poco lento en este país.
The administrative process is a bit slow in this country.
Necesito ayuda con las tareas administrativas de la oficina.
I need help with the administrative tasks of the office.
Hubo un error administrativo y mi vuelo fue cancelado.
There was an administrative error and my flight was canceled.
Matching the Noun
This word must match the gender of the thing it describes. Use 'administrativo' for masculine words (el proceso) and 'administrativa' for feminine words (la tarea).
Positioning
In Spanish, this word usually comes after the person or thing it describes, like 'personal administrativo' instead of 'administrative staff'.
Confusing with 'Administrator'
Mistake: “Soy un administrativo de la empresa.”
Correction: This is correct if you are a clerk, but if you mean you are a 'Manager', you should use 'Administrador'.
conducción
Examples
Su conducción de la empresa ha sido impecable.
His management of the company has been flawless.
direcciones
dee-rek-SYOH-nesdiɾekˈθjones
Examples
Las direcciones de ambas empresas firmaron el acuerdo.
The management boards of both companies signed the agreement.
Hubo cambios en las direcciones regionales del partido.
There were changes in the party's regional directorates.
Context is Key
This meaning is almost exclusively found in formal writing, reports, or news about organizations. If you see it outside that context, it almost certainly means 'directions' or 'addresses'.
ordenación
Examples
La ordenación del territorio es vital para el desarrollo sostenible.
Land-use planning is vital for sustainable development.
patronal
pah-tro-NAHLpatɾoˈnal
Examples
La propuesta patronal no fue aceptada por los trabajadores.
The management's proposal was not accepted by the workers.
Hubo una reunión entre el sindicato y la asociación patronal.
There was a meeting between the union and the employers' association.
El cierre patronal dejó a la fábrica sin actividad.
The lockout (employer-led shutdown) left the factory inactive.
The 'Boss' Connection
This word comes from 'patrón' (boss). It is the professional way to describe things belonging to the owners or management side.
Employer vs. Employee
Mistake: “Acuerdo patronal (when referring to workers).”
Correction: Acuerdo laboral/sindical.
General Management vs. People in Charge
Related Translations
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