What does an area operations manager do?
In an organization, an area operations manager takes responsibility in every aspect of safety and health. The area operations managers report and oversee the performance of individuals and teams within the enterprise. They manage corporate activities involving the production of goods and services. The scope of their responsibilities includes business processes, design, plan, performance improvement, control, and operations strategy. They should develop strong communication and negotiation skills, customer awareness, and good motivational skills.
Area operations manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real area operations manager resumes:
- Manage operational budget including payroll, operating, and capital expenses, and analyze financial reports.
- Manage relationships, performance expectations, and equipment logistics with subcontractors, without compromising co-employment contractual obligations.
- Finance and billing accountability across Medicaid, manage care commercial insurance, insurance verification, contract management, and benefits administration.
- Task with putting together a team that successfully implement and pass ISO 14001 and ISO 18001 audit.
- Complete daily activity reports and administrative work relate to hiring and tracking hours and payroll
- Perform daily management duties including all record keeping, inventory, logistics and installations for security systems.
- Design company website, PowerPoint presentation, brochure, profile, machinery list & factory production capacity information for marketing purposes.
- Analyze all store s KPI reporting and metrics for sound decision quality in establishing business objectives in very high profile locations.
- Approve new chemical repack options bring on by the sales team while completing ROI for any new equipment need.
- Increase new business production through a discipline consultative marketing strategy and effective KPI management process.
- Optimize processing and ensure accuracy of accounts payable function using QuickBooks.
Area operations manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Area Operations Managers are proficient in Logistics, Customer Service, and Process Improvement. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Leadership skills, and Management skills.
We break down the percentage of Area Operations Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Logistics, 15%
Performed daily management duties including all record keeping, inventory, logistics and installations for security systems.
- Customer Service, 15%
Coordinated activities and strategic planning for Customer Service as necessary consisting of over 30 locations to achieve optimum end results.
- Process Improvement, 13%
Provide ongoing analysis and evaluation of services provided as well as employee performance to establish activities aimed at continuous process improvement.
- Direct Reports, 5%
Maintained relationships with peers, direct reports and senior management through effective communication.
- OSHA, 5%
Heightened safety management and awareness, closely adhering to OSHA and corporate objectives.
- Corrective Action, 5%
Reviewed and educated cost control opportunities taking corrective action as needed and suggested alternative courses of action.
"logistics," "customer service," and "process improvement" are among the most common skills that area operations managers use at work. You can find even more area operations manager responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for an area operations manager to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." Additionally, an area operations manager resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "set and monitor budgets, expenses & payroll -maintain communication with ownership on a weekly basis"
Leadership skills. Many area operations manager duties rely on leadership skills. "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources.," so an area operations manager will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways area operations manager responsibilities rely on leadership skills: "provided leadership and oversight of eight dialysis facilities, seven acute programs, and three home therapy programs. "
Problem-solving skills. For certain area operations manager responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of an area operations manager rely on this skill, as "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what area operations managers do: "sustain continuous improvement by consistently and proactively reviewing processes, identifying discrepancies, finding solutions, and gathering feedback on effectiveness. "
Time-management skills. Another common skill required for area operations manager responsibilities is "time-management skills." This skill comes up in the duties of area operations managers all the time, as "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." An excerpt from a real area operations manager resume shows how this skill is central to what an area operations manager does: "delivered product on time through expert oversight to manufacturing and operations personnel. "
The three companies that hire the most area operations managers are:
- The TJX Companies15 area operations managers jobs
- Revolution Foods14 area operations managers jobs
- Wsp USA Buildings Inc.9 area operations managers jobs
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Compare different area operations managers
Area operations manager vs. General manager of operations
General managers of operations are employed to oversee the overall operations of businesses. Their responsibilities include the improvement of the efficiency of the operations and overall management. They coordinate the primary performance goals for direct reporting functions and set the strategies for the organization. It is their responsibility to communicate strategy as well as results to employees. They also engage with the corporate officers in the strategic planning and development of the organization or enterprise.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, area operations manager responsibilities require skills like "osha," "corrective action," "customer satisfaction," and "safety program." Meanwhile a typical general manager of operations has skills in areas such as "develop team," "financial statements," "personnel processes," and "training programs." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
On average, general managers of operations reach similar levels of education than area operations managers. General managers of operations are 0.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Area operations manager vs. District manager
District managers oversee the operations of a group of stores or areas covered by the assigned district. They are responsible for ensuring that the sales, marketing, quality control, and people management of their community align with the company's direction. They review the district's financial statement, draft ways to improve the district's key metrics, and mitigate any challenges that may come their way. They are also responsible for hiring store or area managers and training them to ensure that they will be significant contributors to the organization.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, area operations manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "logistics," "process improvement," "osha," and "corrective action." Meanwhile, a district manager has duties that require skills in areas such as "multi-unit," "work ethic," "store management," and "sales training." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
District managers earn a higher average salary than area operations managers. But district managers earn the highest pay in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $119,906. Additionally, area operations managers earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $60,005 annually.district managers earn similar levels of education than area operations managers in general. They're 3.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for area operations managers in the next 3-5 years?
Eric Olsen
Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business
Area operations manager vs. Manager, center operations
The duties of a manager of center operations depend on one's industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around overseeing business operations, setting targets, assessing the workforce's performance, and performing corrective measures on any issues or concerns. Moreover, there are also instances where they have to produce progress reports, devise strategies for optimal business performance, delegate tasks, and even manage the budget. As a manager, it is crucial to lead and encourage the team to reach goals and sales targets while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from area operations manager resumes include skills like "logistics," "customer service," "corrective action," and "oversight," whereas a manager, center operations is more likely to list skills in "infrastructure," "standard operating procedure," "patients," and "professional work. "
Managers, center operations make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $68,400. On the other hand, area operations managers are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $60,005.Most managers, center operations achieve a similar degree level compared to area operations managers. For example, they're 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Area operations manager vs. Store manager
A store manager is responsible for monitoring the daily operations, making sure of its smooth and efficient performance with the best services provided to the customers. Store managers' duty also includes tracking the budget of the store to ensure that all expenses are meeting the sales goals. A store manager must also be able to plan and share strategies to boost sales performance and provide the needed support for the employees by communicating with them regularly, listening on suggestions, and taking necessary actions for complaints as required.
Types of area operations manager
Updated January 8, 2025
