Multi-unit manager vs operations manager

The differences between multi-unit managers and operations managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a multi-unit manager and an operations manager. Additionally, an operations manager has an average salary of $76,894, which is higher than the $64,703 average annual salary of a multi-unit manager.

The top three skills for a multi-unit manager include customer service, work ethic and product knowledge. The most important skills for an operations manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Multi-unit manager vs operations manager overview

	Multi-Unit Manager	Operations Manager
Yearly salary	$64,703	$76,894
Hourly rate	$31.11	$36.97
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	369,227	343,868
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	6	6

What does a multi-unit manager do?

A multi-unit manager is responsible for supervising multiple departments and overseeing various process sectors within an organization. Multi-unit managers handle the budget limitations for each unit, allocating adequate resources to support business functions and client requirements. They recruit and train new staff, review compensation details with the human resources department, respond to employees' concerns, and facilitate training and programs that would maximize the staff's productivity and efficiency. A multi-unit manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills, especially in determining and achieving goals for the team and ensuring the highest customer satisfaction.

What does an operations manager do?

Operations managers are in charge of running the main business of the organization. They ensure that the business is running smoothly from an operations standpoint. They make sure that the processes in place produce the necessary output by implementing quality control measures. They also manage finances and ensure that there is enough budget to keep the operations of the business running. They also ensure that the production of goods or services is cost-efficient. Operations managers also handle people-related concerns. They are responsible for interviewing candidates, choosing the ones to hire, and ensuring that individuals assigned to operations are properly trained.

Multi-unit manager vs operations manager salary

Multi-unit managers and operations managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Multi-Unit Manager	Operations Manager
Average salary	$64,703	$76,894
Salary range	Between $48,000 And $87,000	Between $47,000 And $123,000
Highest paying City	Chicago, IL	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Colorado	Delaware
Best paying company	American Residential Services	McKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industry	Retail	Technology

Differences between multi-unit manager and operations manager education

There are a few differences between a multi-unit manager and an operations manager in terms of educational background:

	Multi-Unit Manager	Operations Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Multi-unit manager vs operations manager demographics

Here are the differences between multi-unit managers' and operations managers' demographics:

	Multi-Unit Manager	Operations Manager
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2%	Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between multi-unit manager and operations manager duties and responsibilities

Multi-unit manager example responsibilities.

Ensure completion of quarterly projections; and manage labor demon forecasting and payroll and talent acquisition efforts.
Create implementation plans to support execution of Starbucks initiatives to achieve both operational excellence and business results.
Maintain cleanliness of the kitchen, as well as the equipment on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
Perform human-resource-management activities involving unemployment insurance, benefits, payroll, and new-employee hiring.
Train assistant managers and employees in operations of the restaurant that exceed quality service and cleanliness expectations.
Create implementation plans to support execution of Starbucks initiatives to achieve both operational excellence and business results.

Operations manager example responsibilities.

Manage and lead operations that include performance management, organizational development, employment compliance, employee relations, payroll management.
Manage 2HVAC system retrofit replacement teams.
Manage all invoices, A/P, A/R and other accounting duties.
Manage computer operation teams supporting propriety and DoD programs at the Lewisville site.
Manage 45 person division and day to day operations of scheduling, communications, A/R, A/P and customer care.
Manage the export booking and documentation department ensuring smooth on-time delivery.

Multi-unit manager vs operations manager skills

Common multi-unit manager skills

Customer Service, 27%
Work Ethic, 20%
Product Knowledge, 11%
Food Safety, 3%
Payroll, 3%
Restaurant Operations, 3%

Common operations manager skills

Customer Service, 23%
Logistics, 7%
Continuous Improvement, 6%
Payroll, 5%
Project Management, 4%
Process Improvement, 4%

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Executive Management Industry
Multi-Unit Manager
Multi-Unit Manager vs Operations Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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