The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word INTENDANT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
I
N
T
E
N
D
A
N
T
More clues leading to the result INTENDANT
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "manager" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case manager = intendant.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does INTENDANT mean?
INTENDANT noun- Administrator of an opera house or theater.
- One who has the charge, direction, or management of some public business; a superintendent.
- A governor in various specific contexts, including certain South American countries, and historically in the kingdoms of Spain, Portugal, and France, and in imperial China.
- Attentive.