James Spader takes over as new 'Office' boss

In July, NBC announced it had signed James Spader as a full-time cast member. He reprises his guest role as manipulative Robert California.

NBC and Dunder Mifflin have announced the new manager of the Scranton office of the make-believe paper company portrayed in "The Office." It's dim-witted salesman Andy Bernard, played by cast member Ed Helms.

The reveal was made on Thursday's season premiere of the NBC comedy, completing a transition process that began with last season's departure by long-time series star Steve Carell.

In July, NBC announced it had signed James Spader as a full-time cast member. He reprises his guest role as manipulative Robert California, who over the summer was hired as the office's new regional manager. But quickly on the eighth-season premiere, he wangled a promotion to CEO of Sabre, the parent corporation of Dunder Mifflin.

This left the manager's position vacant again. Andy Bernard was California's surprise choice.