Operation supervisor vs operations manager

The differences between operation supervisors and operations managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an operation supervisor, becoming an operations manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an operations manager has an average salary of $76,894, which is higher than the $57,279 average annual salary of an operation supervisor.

The top three skills for an operation supervisor include logistics, safety procedures and OSHA. The most important skills for an operations manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Operation supervisor vs operations manager overview

	Operation Supervisor	Operations Manager
Yearly salary	$57,279	$76,894
Hourly rate	$27.54	$36.97
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	94,116	343,868
Job satisfaction	5	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	46	44
Years of experience	2	6

What does an operation supervisor do?

Operations supervisors manage a specific operations-related team or department. They ensure that all the agreed-upon key performance indicators are being met. They also address any performance challenges and strategize on how to improve different areas in the team. They communicate team goals and balance the organization's requirements with the team's profile. Operations supervisors also manage the employees under their department. They hire for vacancies and train new employees. They also ensure that employees are properly coached for improvement. Operations supervisors are expected to be strategic, personable, and good communicators.

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.

Operation supervisor vs operations manager salary

Operation supervisors and operations managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Operation Supervisor	Operations Manager
Average salary	$57,279	$76,894
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $87,000	Between $47,000 And $123,000
Highest paying City	Kansas City, KS	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	Louisiana	Delaware
Best paying company	Ropes & Gray	McKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industry	Finance	Technology

Differences between operation supervisor and operations manager education

There are a few differences between an operation supervisor and an operations manager in terms of educational background:

	Operation Supervisor	Operations Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	University of Pennsylvania

Operation supervisor vs operations manager demographics

Here are the differences between operation supervisors' and operations managers' demographics:

	Operation Supervisor	Operations Manager
Average age	46	44
Gender ratio	Male, 70.8% Female, 29.2%	Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 4.6% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	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	6%	10%

Differences between operation supervisor and operations manager duties and responsibilities

Operation supervisor example responsibilities.

Manage labor and operating expenses to meet budget goals by utilizing KRONOS.
Manage the safety, quality, productivity, OEE, yields, & continuous improvement.
Manage the proper preparation of equipment for mechanical work as well as proper utilization of LOTO system.
Serve as member of HAZMAT team and manage all training, orientation and safety programs for entire facility.
Manage all inbound and outbound of product/inventory, and keep accurate counts in AS400 P.K.M.S warehouse management software.
Manage daily activities of up to 15 staff and up to 50 students at youth rehabilitation boarding facility.

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.

Operation supervisor vs operations manager skills

Common operation supervisor skills

Logistics, 7%
Safety Procedures, 7%
OSHA, 6%
Payroll, 5%
Customer Satisfaction, 5%
Continuous Improvement, 4%

Common operations manager skills

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

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Operation Supervisor vs Operations Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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