Records Manager

Career Guide

A Records Manager designs and runs the systems that store, protect, and dispose of an organization’s records. The role supports compliance, reduces legal risk, improves findability, and ensures important information is kept for the right amount of time.

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Key Responsibilities

Create and maintain records retention schedules
Define rules for record creation, naming, and classification
Manage physical records storage and retrieval
Manage digital records systems and file structures
Oversee records disposal and destruction processes
Support legal holds and litigation readiness
Ensure compliance with privacy and data protection requirements
Run audits to confirm records are handled correctly
Train employees on records policies and best practices
Coordinate with Legal, IT, Security, and business teams on records needs
Respond to information requests and internal investigations
Maintain documentation, policies, and procedures for records governance

Top Skills for Success

Policy Writing

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Risk Awareness

Attention to Detail

Records Retention

Records Classification

Information Governance

Digital Records Management

Physical Records Management

Audit Readiness

Legal Hold Management

Privacy Compliance

Data Security Fundamentals

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Records Manager

Information Governance Manager

Records and Compliance Manager

Privacy Program Manager

GRC Manager

Transition Opportunities

Document Control Manager

Knowledge Management Manager Compliance Manager Risk Analyst eDiscovery Specialist

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

eDiscovery BasicsPrivacy Regulations KnowledgeRecords Management System AdministrationData MappingChange ManagementMetrics Reporting

Development SuggestionsFocus on one high-impact gap at a time. Start by learning retention and legal hold workflows end to end, then build comfort with a records management system, and finally add privacy and eDiscovery fundamentals. Strengthen credibility by producing clear policies, running a small audit, and reporting results with simple metrics.

Market Intelligence Report

Records Manager is part of the Records & Data Processing category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 55,000 to 75,000

Mid LevelUSD 75,000 to 105,000

Senior LevelUSD 105,000 to 140,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, with higher hiring in regulated industries and in organizations modernizing digital records, privacy compliance, and eDiscovery readiness.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Iron MountainAccentureDeloitteLockheed MartinBoeingKaiser PermanenteUnitedHealth GroupJPMorgan ChaseWells FargoAmazonMicrosoftState and Local Government Agencies

Industry Sectors

GovernmentHealthcareFinancial ServicesInsuranceLegal ServicesTechnologyManufacturingEnergyEducationPharmaceuticals

Recommended Next Steps

Review and update a retention schedule for one business area

Create a standardized file naming and classification guide

Run a records cleanup pilot with measured results

Build a legal hold checklist and communication template

Take an introductory course in privacy compliance

Gain hands-on practice with a records management system

Develop a quarterly audit plan and track findings

Create short training modules for employees and managers