Fetch and Assign Microsoft 365 User Managers with PowerShell

Managing reporting structures in Microsoft 365 isn’t just about keeping org charts tidy — it’s about ensuring workflows, approvals, and access controls work smoothly. Knowing who a user’s manager is (and updating that relationship when needed) can make all the difference for HR, IT, and compliance teams. Graph PowerShell provides the tools to fetch and assign user managers efficiently, making these updates more reliable and scalable compared to doing them manually in the portal.

Why Manage Microsoft 365 User Managers Using Graph PowerShell?

In any organization, managers play a central role in approvals, escalations, and reporting. Correct manager assignments are critical for:

• Automating workflows – ensuring leave requests, approvals, and reviews go to the right person.
• Security & compliance – making sure sensitive data isn’t routed incorrectly.
• HR & IT alignment – keeping organizational hierarchy updated when employees change roles.

Manually updating managers through the Microsoft 365 admin portal can be time-consuming and error-prone. PowerShell, especially via Microsoft Graph, enables bulk updates, automation, and seamless integration into scripts you may already be running.

How to Manage Microsoft 365 User Managers Using Graph PowerShell?

There are two main operations you’ll need:

1. Fetching user manager details – to identify the current reporting structure.
2. Assigning or updating a user’s manager – when an employee joins, changes teams, or gets promoted.

Graph PowerShell has cmdlets specifically designed for these tasks.

• Fetch Microsoft 365 User Manager Details

The Get-MgUserManager cmdlet helps you quickly find the current manager assigned to a user. This is extremely useful when validating reporting hierarchies, troubleshooting workflow errors, or creating reports for HR or compliance audits.

👉 Here’s a complete guide: Ultimate Guide for Using Get-MgUserManager

• Assign Microsoft 365 User Manager

The Set-MgUserManagerByRef cmdlet allows you to assign or update a user’s manager. Whether you’re onboarding new employees, restructuring teams, or handling promotions, this cmdlet ensures the reporting lines are always up to date. It’s especially powerful when used in bulk with a CSV file.

👉 Step-by-step tutorial: Ultimate Guide for Using Set-MgUserManagerByRef Cmdlet

Conclusion

Keeping manager relationships updated in Microsoft 365 is essential for business continuity, compliance, and security. With Graph PowerShell, admins can easily fetch and assign managers using simple, scriptable cmdlets like Get-MgUserManager and Set-MgUserManagerByRef.

Instead of manually checking each user profile, you can automate the process, save time, and reduce errors — making your IT environment far more efficient.