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RED DEER COUNTY · L-1A FIELD GUIDE

Can an unfilled management chart establish the L-1A role?

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THE DIRECT ANSWER

A planned structure is evidence of a proposal, not proof that it operates. Explain how the real duties and available support satisfy the applicable managerial or executive test.

Identify the work waiting behind each empty box

If the applicant will personally perform those tasks until hiring occurs, describe that honestly. For a new office, the plan must support the qualifying position within one year of approval; an impressive forecast does not eliminate the actual requirements.

Executive capacity means directing the management of the organization or a major component or function, setting goals and policies, exercising wide latitude in discretionary decision-making, and receiving only general supervision from higher-level executives, a board or shareholders. L-1A managerial or executive capacity can rest on managing an essential function rather than supervising staff directly, but the function itself — not the title — must be primarily managed at a senior level, with decision-making authority over its goals and results. An internal grading structure exists for pay bands and reporting lines, whereas managerial capacity is judged on what the person supervises, hires, fires or directs, and at what level of the organization.