I started a new job about 8 months ago as a member of the senior leadership team in a technical company. The role was sold to me as involving oversight of specialist areas in which I had specific experience - the interviewers which included my manager knew and commented positively on this.
But since I've started I've essentially been doing admin with very little technical input. In my second month I put together a management plan to address a particular challenge and when I showed him he looked at me as if I were quite mad for doing it (not unimpressed with the work, more the idea that I would be proactive).
I've tried very hard to speak to him about this but he only rings me 1-2 a week (works in another branch about 120 miles away) and the rest of the time I'm alone. When I ring him he is always dashing off to a meeting and cuts the conversation off. I never get any feedback and he forgot my probationary review meeting. I actually feel like I've taken three steps down the ladder (thankfully job title and salary do not reflect this!).
I have no problem with him as a person, I just dont rate his management skills.
He's perfectly nice to me and actually rather kind.
I've had positive feedback from my direct reports and senior staff.
I'm otherwise happy as it is a nice team.
I would appreciate advice on handling this. No desire to cause conflict and don't really want to get a new job.