Ultimate Guide for Using Set-MgUserManagerByRef Cmdlet

The Set-MgUserManagerByRef cmdlet, part of the Microsoft Graph PowerShell module, allows administrators to programmatically assign or update a user’s manager. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of its usage, including practical examples and best practices.

Who Are Microsoft 365 User Managers?

A Microsoft 365 user manager represents the person to whom a user directly reports. The manager relationship is essential for:

• Approval Workflows: Managers can approve leave, expenses, and other requests.
• HR Insights: Providing managers with access to relevant employee data.
• Compliance: Maintaining accurate records of organizational hierarchy.

Why Use Set-MgUserManagerByRef?

The Set-MgUserManagerByRef cmdlet simplifies assigning or updating managers for one or multiple users. Benefits include:

• Automation: Update manager relationships in bulk, saving time and effort.
• Consistency: Ensure accuracy across large organizations with multiple users.
• Integration: Incorporate into workflows for onboarding, role changes, or department shifts.

Setting Up Microsoft Graph PowerShell

To use Set-MgUserManagerByRef, you need to set up Microsoft Graph PowerShell:

1. Install the Module: Install-Module Microsoft.Graph -Scope CurrentUser
2. Connect to Microsoft Graph: Connect-MgGraph -Scopes "User.Read.All"
3. Disconnect After Use: Disconnect-MgGraph

Exploring the Set-MgUserManagerByRef Cmdlet

The Set-MgUserManagerByRef cmdlet assigns or updates the manager for a specified user. It uses an @odata.id reference pointing to the manager’s unique Object ID.

Cmdlet Syntax

Set-MgUserManagerByRef -UserId <String> -BodyParameter <Object> [<CommonParameters>l]  

Usage Examples

1. Assign a Manager to a Single User

To assign a specific manager to a user:

$Manager = @{  
"@odata.id" = "https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/users/12345678-90ab-cdef-ghij-klmnopqrstuv"  
}  
Set-MgUserManagerByRef -UserId "john.doe@company.com" -BodyParameter $Manager  

This assigns the manager with the Object ID 12345678-90ab-cdef-ghij-klmnopqrstuv to the user john.doe@company.com.

2. Assign Managers in Bulk Using a CSV File

For large-scale updates, use a CSV file to define users and their corresponding managers.

CSV File Format

UserPrincipalName,ManagerId  
user1@company.com,manager1-id  
user2@company.com,manager2-id  

$CSVPath = "C:\Managers.csv"  
$Users = Import-Csv -Path $CSVPath  

foreach ($User in $Users) {  
    $Manager = @{  
    "@odata.id" = "https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/users/$($User.ManagerId)"  
    }  
    Set-MgUserManagerByRef -UserId $User.UserPrincipalName -BodyParameter $Manager  
}  

Best Practices for Using Set-MgUserManagerByRef

• Validate Manager and User Accounts: Before assigning a manager, ensure both the user and manager accounts are valid and active. Use Get-MgUser to verify their details.
• Log Changes: Keep a log of successful updates and errors for auditing purposes. Example:

try {  
    Set-MgUserManagerByRef -UserId $userId -BodyParameter $Manager  
    Add-Content -Path "C:\Logs\ManagerUpdates.txt" -Value "Assigned manager to $userId successfully."  
} catch {  
    Add-Content -Path "C:\Logs\ManagerUpdates.txt" -Value "Failed to assign manager to $userId: $_"  
}  

• Use -WhatIf for Testing: Preview the results of your command before execution to avoid unintended changes:

Set-MgUserManagerByRef -UserId "john.doe@company.com" -BodyParameter $Manager -WhatIf  

• Automate Onboarding and Role Changes: Incorporate Set-MgUserManagerByRef into automated workflows for onboarding or departmental role changes to ensure accurate reporting structures.

Conclusion

The Set-MgUserManagerByRef cmdlet is an indispensable tool for Microsoft 365 administrators. Whether assigning a manager to a single user or updating reporting structures for entire departments, this cmdlet simplifies the process and ensures organizational hierarchies remain accurate.

By leveraging the power of Set-MgUserManagerByRef and following best practices, you can save time, reduce errors, and improve the efficiency of your administrative workflows.

Start using Set-MgUserManagerByRef today and streamline your organization’s hierarchy management!