Crossword Genius

Damn, this is what a senior manager charges?! (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

execrate

'damn' is the definition.
(execrate can mean to curse or damn)

'what a senior manager charges?' is the wordplay.
'what a senior manager' becomes 'exec' (short for executive).
'charges?' becomes 'rate' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'exec'+'rate'='EXECRATE'

'this is' is the link.

(Other definitions for execrate that I've seen before include "Curse" , "Utter curses upon, detest greatly" , "Inveigh against" , "'Abhor, find repugnant (8)'" , "Utter curses with erect axe" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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