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Operating partner vs multi-unit manager

The differences between operating partners and multi-unit managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an operating partner and a multi-unit manager. Additionally, an operating partner has an average salary of $93,101, which is higher than the $64,703 average annual salary of a multi-unit manager.

The top three skills for an operating partner include project management, shared services and digital marketing. The most important skills for a multi-unit manager are customer service, work ethic, and product knowledge.

Operating partner vs multi-unit manager overview

Operating PartnerMulti-Unit Manager
Yearly salary$93,101$64,703
Hourly rate$44.76$31.11
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs144,208369,227
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age4444
Years of experience66

What does an operating partner do?

An operating partner coordinates a portfolio company's efforts and serves as the liaison between private equity firms. They typically assess and manage teams, set objectives, establish guidelines and timelines, conduct market research and analyses, and assist teams in developing various operational strategies. They also gather and analyze extensive data, identify the strengths and weaknesses of existing processes, recommend solutions against problem areas, and create methods to optimize operations. Moreover, an operating partner must maintain an active communication line with staff while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

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.

Operating partner vs multi-unit manager salary

Operating partners and multi-unit managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Operating PartnerMulti-Unit Manager
Average salary$93,101$64,703
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $156,000Between $48,000 And $87,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYChicago, IL
Highest paying stateVirginiaColorado
Best paying companyTeradataAmerican Residential Services
Best paying industryHospitalityRetail

Differences between operating partner and multi-unit manager education

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

Operating PartnerMulti-Unit Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Operating partner vs multi-unit manager demographics

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

Operating PartnerMulti-Unit Manager
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 78.8% Female, 21.2%Male, 71.8% Female, 28.2%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage10%10%

Differences between operating partner and multi-unit manager duties and responsibilities

Operating partner example responsibilities.

  • Manage operations for BOH & FOH, set up venues POS system.
  • Manage all operations, logistics, shop, field service, maintenance, repair and machine shop.
  • Establish, manage and coordinate activities of this start-up management company specializing in turning around trouble health insurance plans.
  • Negotiate and determine the programming for POS system.
  • Develop responsible supply ordering payroll forecasting to adjust for changing market conditions.
  • Create overall budget for each individual program/initiative along with all logistics, operations and execution.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Operating partner vs multi-unit manager skills

Common operating partner skills
  • Project Management, 16%
  • Shared Services, 10%
  • Digital Marketing, 9%
  • Facebook, 9%
  • Human Resources, 8%
  • Payroll, 7%
Common multi-unit manager skills
  • Customer Service, 27%
  • Work Ethic, 20%
  • Product Knowledge, 11%
  • Food Safety, 3%
  • Payroll, 3%
  • Restaurant Operations, 3%

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