This research examines the work of middle managers in English further education colleges holding a range of responsibilities. Case study research at four colleges drew on data from senior managers, middle managers and their teams, college documents and observation of meetings. The enquiry focused upon the aspects of role performed by the managers, the environment for management within which they carry out their role, and features of the college environment which enable and impede them in their work. Five aspects of role were identified and discussed, those of corporate agent, implementer, staff manager, liaison and leader. Factors within the college environment which impact positively and negatively upon the role were modelled in order to locate the key influences upon the effectiveness of the manager role, and thereby the effectiveness of the college. (Contains 1 table and 6 figures.)