Can a director or deputy work part-time: rules and restrictions

The question of part-time work for managerial positions (can a deputy director work part-time), especially for directors and their deputies, remains relevant in 2026 for both the private and public sectors. On one hand, Ukrainian legislation allows employees to perform additional paid work during their free time from their main job; on the other hand, there are several restrictions for managers related to responsibility, conflicts of interest, and the specifics of managerial functions. 

Experience shows that the possibility of part-time work (can a municipal enterprise director work part-time) depends not only on general labor law norms but also on the status of the enterprise, the terms of the contract, internal regulations, and special laws. Therefore, when arranging part-time work for managerial positions, it is important to consider both general rules and specific requirements applicable in a given field.

What is part-time work and who can use it

Part-time work is the performance of other paid work by an employee in their free time from the main job at the same or another enterprise. It can be internal or external, depending on whether the additional work is performed within one employer or across different ones.

In general, all employees have the right to part-time work unless otherwise stipulated by law or employment contract. However, additional restrictions may be established for certain categories, including managers. This is because their activities involve increased responsibility, the need for full employment, and the absence of conflicts of interest.

In 2026, provisions regarding flexible schedules and remote work are also actively applied, which formally expands the possibilities for part-time work. However, for managers, such opportunities are limited by the requirements to fulfill their primary duties and to monitor the enterprise’s activities.

Can a director work part-time

The primary question remains whether a school director can work part-time. A company director can work part-time but with certain restrictions. In the private sector, this issue is mostly governed by the contract with the owner or founders. If the contract does not contain a prohibition, the director is entitled to perform other jobs as long as it does not affect the fulfillment of primary duties.

At the same time, it is important to consider the issue of conflicts of interest. A director cannot work part-time for a company whose activities intersect with or compete with the primary enterprise. It is also prohibited to use official position for personal purposes.

In the public sector, the situation is stricter. Special restrictions apply to directors of state enterprises, which may completely prohibit part-time work or allow it only in specified cases, such as scientific, educational, or creative activities.

Thus, the possibility of part-time work for a director depends on the form of ownership of the enterprise, the terms of the contract, and compliance with anti-corruption requirements.

Can a deputy director work part-time

A deputy director generally has more opportunities for part-time work compared to a director. This is because their functions, while important, do not always imply full responsibility for the enterprise's activities.

In private companies, a deputy director can work part-time provided there is agreement with the manager or owner. The main requirement is to ensure proper fulfillment of job duties and the absence of conflicts of interest.

In the public sector, the rules may be stricter. Deputy directors are subject to anti-corruption legislation, which limits the possibility of engaging in other paid activities, except in specified areas.

It should also be noted that even if part-time work is permitted, the working hours must not exceed established norms, and the additional activity should not negatively impact the primary job.

Can a municipal enterprise director work part-time

For directors of municipal enterprises, there are separate rules that combine labor and anti-corruption legislation. Such managers are often equated with officials, to whom restrictions on part-time work apply.

In most cases, a municipal enterprise director is not allowed to engage in other paid activities, except for teaching, scientific, or creative work. This is related to the necessity of preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring transparency in management.

The issue of accountability to local government authorities is also important. Any additional activity may be seen as a violation of contract terms or legislation, which may lead to disciplinary liability or dismissal.

Therefore, the possibility of part-time work for such directors is significantly limited and requires careful analysis of regulations and contract terms.

Can a school director work part-time

A director of an educational institution has the right to part-time work, considering the specifics of the educational sphere. Legislation allows such managers to engage in teaching activities, which often logically extends their professional work.

However, undertaking other types of work may be limited. The main focus should be on managing the educational institution, organizing the educational process, and ensuring its quality.

An important aspect is also the issue of workload. Teaching activities are usually permitted within established hours to avoid overloading the manager and reducing the effectiveness of management.

In 2026, the development of distance learning is also taken into account, which partially expands the possibilities for part-time work but does not cancel the main restrictions.

Normative Regulation of Part-Time Work for Managers

Regulation of part-time work in Ukraine is based on labor legislation and special acts regarding specific categories of employees. The main documents include the Labor Code of Ukraine, anti-corruption legislation, and industry regulations.

For managers, the provisions of contracts that may establish additional restrictions or conditions regarding part-time work are particularly important. Internal documents of the enterprise also play a significant role, regulating the work procedure and the responsibility of officials.

In the public and municipal sectors, stricter rules apply, aimed at preventing conflicts of interest. They limit the possibility of engaging in other activities and provide for responsibility for violating these requirements.

Thus, the issue of part-time work for directors and their deputies requires a comprehensive approach that considers both general norms and the specifics of a particular position and organization.

Limitations and Prohibitions for Managers Regarding Part-Time Work

For managers of enterprises, institutions, and organizations, the issue of part-time work is accompanied by a significant number of restrictions aimed at preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring the proper fulfillment of job responsibilities. This primarily concerns directors, their deputies, and other officials who have access to management decisions and enterprise resources.

One of the key restrictions is the prohibition of activities that may create a conflict of interest. This means that a manager is not allowed to work part-time for companies that are competitors or have shared economic interests with the primary place of work. Such actions may be considered violations of labor discipline and anti-corruption legislation.

In the public and municipal sectors, stricter restrictions apply. Officials who perform functions of the state or local government generally cannot engage in other paid activities, except for teaching, scientific, or creative work. Even in these cases, it is necessary to comply with the requirements regarding working time and the absence of influence on primary duties.

Restrictions may also be established by the employment contract. In many cases, the contract explicitly stipulates a ban on part-time work or the need to obtain prior approval from the owner or authorized body. Failure to comply with such conditions may be grounds for disciplinary liability or termination of the contract.

Separately, it should be noted the restrictions on working hours. Even if part-time work is allowed, the total working duration should not exceed established norms, and additional activities should not negatively affect the performance of primary functions. In the case of overload, the manager may lose the ability to effectively manage the enterprise, which could also have legal consequences.

Thus, the restrictions on part-time work for managers are aimed not only at compliance with the formal requirements of the legislation but also at ensuring effective management and integrity in the activities of the enterprise.

Procedure for Arranging Part-Time Work for Managers

The arrangement of part-time work for managers must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of labor legislation and internal normative documents. The first step is to check the possibility of part-time work according to the contract, the charter of the enterprise, and special laws. If there are no restrictions, the manager can initiate the arrangement procedure.

In most cases, it is necessary to obtain written permission from the owner of the enterprise or the management authority. This is especially relevant for directors, as they are accountable to the founders and cannot independently make decisions regarding additional employment. For deputy directors, the agreement is usually carried out directly with their superior.

The next step is to conclude an employment contract for part-time work. It defines the working conditions, schedule, payment, and other important aspects. It is important that the part-time schedule does not overlap with the main working hours and does not violate the working regime at the primary place of work.

After the contract is concluded, an appropriate order on employment for part-time work is issued. In the case of internal part-time work, this may be a separate order within the enterprise, while for external part-time work, documentation is issued in the second organization.

It is also necessary to consider the issues of accounting for working time and calculating wages. Payment for part-time work is made separately from the primary job, according to the actual time worked or the volume of work performed.

In 2026, a significant portion of procedures may be carried out electronically, including contract execution and personnel documentation. However, even in this case, it is necessary to ensure proper documentation and preservation of information.

Thus, the procedure for arranging part-time work for managers implies a clear sequence of actions, compliance with legislative requirements, and mandatory agreement with authorized persons, ensuring the transparency and legality of such activities.