Managed, but had to be quick about it (3)
I believe the answer is:
ran
'managed' is the definition.
(both can mean organised or was in charge of)
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ran that I've seen before include "Administered" , "Tore" , "was in charge" , "Directed - fled" , "at speed?" .)