Departments under auspices of university leadership are expected to contribute in embracing academic and market needs. The management of departments has always been challenged in result of emerging trends, issues, and academic development. The experiences of the heads of department (HoDs) in strategizing their departments can assist them to comprehend how they carry out the departmental managerial functions. It is assumed that HoDs do not feel adequately prepared for the challenges they face in managing the departments. This study aimed to explore that what type of challenges HoDs face and what type of the strategies they use to manage the departmental activities. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews following qualitative case study research design. Thematic analysis was used to reach the findings of the study. The analysis produced major themes: academic work pressure, managerial pressure, administrative hindrances, proactive approach, motivation, and progressive teamwork. Findings show that challenges provide opportunities with the HoDs to adapt themselves and devise new strategies in making efforts to run the departments smoothly. The study implied that if HoDs focus on devising strategies to manage the departments they can bring about positive developments in the departments.