What term describes someone with formal authority over resources and employees in a direct line of command?

The term that best describes someone who has formal authority over resources and employees in a direct line of command is "line manager." A line manager typically possesses authority and responsibility for the operational and day-to-day activities of their team, making decisions regarding staff management, resource allocation, and task assignments directly aligned with the organization's hierarchy. This role is characterized by a clear chain of command and accountability, which allows them to oversee their employees directly and ensure that organizational goals are met efficiently.

In contrast, a functional manager oversees a specific department or function, focusing on specialized tasks and typically not overseeing the direct line of employees across various departments. A project manager leads specific projects and may not have direct authority over team members who could belong to different departments, as they often coordinate efforts across functional lines without a direct hierarchical relationship. A dotted-line manager, on the other hand, provides guidance and support to team members but does not have the same formal authority as a line manager, operating in a more advisory capacity rather than maintaining direct control over resources and employees.