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.
Operations manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real operations manager resumes:
- 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.
- Develop customer service and documentation standards, securing ISO certification.
- Purchase new equipment, oversee facility renovation projects, implement POS hardware/software, develop and conduct training programs.
- Set procedures according to define SLAs.
- Promote to DM for superior performance.
- Institute an RFP process to improve competitiveness.
- Elaborate and implement the ERP and SMS.
- Coordinate annual CPA reviews and other audits.
- Develop, oversee and track ERP asset database.
- Organize A/R and A/P and communicate with in-house bookkeeper.
Operations manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 23% of Operations Managers are proficient in Customer Service, Logistics, and Continuous Improvement. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Leadership skills, and Management skills.
We break down the percentage of Operations Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 23%
Oversee customer service and customer relations; performed daily and monthly regulatory equipment inspections, premise security, and incident management.
- Logistics, 7%
Established contractual and operational metrics with reverse logistics vendor to continually drive cost and operational improvements further improving asset recovery.
- Continuous Improvement, 6%
Improved operational efficiency by implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
- Payroll, 5%
Review payroll records and monitor financial transactions to ensure expenditures versus store revenue contribute to expected profit margin.
- Project Management, 4%
Directed key project management functions including critical path scheduling, budget management, project tracking/status reports, and quality assurance.
- Process Improvement, 4%
Directed a variety of special projects: ranging from implementing process improvements to deploying technology- based solutions for litigation software clients.
"customer service," "logistics," and "continuous improvement" are among the most common skills that operations managers use at work. You can find even more operations manager responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an operations manager to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." Operations managers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "maintained communication and problem solving with internal and external customers, including emea, fda and respective boards of health. "
Leadership skills. Many 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 operations manager will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways operations manager responsibilities rely on leadership skills: "demonstrated leadership in managing several challenges with fda, eu, and pai audits resulting with no critical findings in 2013. "
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what operations managers do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to operations manager responsibilities because "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical operations manager tasks: "deliver professional solutions in compliance with the requirements of the fda, iso and gmp. "
Time-management skills. Another crucial skill for an operations manager to carry out their responsibilities is "time-management skills." A big part of what operations managers relies on this skill, since "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." How this skill relates to operations manager duties can be seen in an example from an operations manager resume snippet: "managed daily activities ensuring adherence to deadlines, quality standards and adherence to procedures and regulatory requirements. "
The three companies that hire the most operations managers are:
- Walgreens913 operations managers jobs
- CVS Health686 operations managers jobs
- Meta284 operations managers jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable operations manager resume templates
Build a professional operations manager resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your operations manager resume.
Compare different operations managers
Operations manager vs. Assistant manager of operations
An assistant operations manager is responsible for supervising staff performance and operation processes under the guidance of an operations manager. The assistant operations manager ensures the efficiency and accuracy of project management to boost client satisfaction, drive revenues, and achieve the company's objectives and profitability goals. They also help with developing strategic procedures to increase productivity and identify business opportunities to build a strong company reputation. An assistant operations manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills, especially when meeting with existing and potential clients, close partnerships, and lead teams towards project goals.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an operations manager are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "continuous improvement," "payroll," and "project management." On the other hand, a job as an assistant manager of operations requires skills like "sales floor," "front end," "cash handling," and "store associates." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Assistant managers of operations really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $65,818. Comparatively, operations managers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $96,779.assistant managers of operations tend to reach similar levels of education than operations managers. In fact, assistant managers of operations are 1.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.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.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, operations manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "project management," "customer satisfaction," "powerpoint," and "corrective action." Meanwhile, a general manager of operations has duties that require skills in areas such as "develop team," "personnel processes," "r," and "financial performance." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
In general, general managers of operations achieve similar levels of education than operations managers. They're 1.8% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for operations managers in the next 3-5 years?
Eric Olsen
Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business
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.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, operations managers are more likely to have skills like "customer service," "logistics," "payroll," and "oversight." But a manager, center operations is more likely to have skills like "infrastructure," "osha," "standard operating procedure," and "patients."
Managers, center operations earn the best pay in the manufacturing industry, where they command an average salary of $68,400. Operations managers earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $96,779.Most managers, center operations achieve a similar degree level compared to operations managers. For example, they're 2.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Operations manager vs. Assistant store manager/operations manager
An assistant store manager/operations manager is responsible for supervising the overall store operations, ensuring the highest customer satisfaction, and managing the staff's performance. Assistant store managers/operations managers strategize techniques to enhance the team's productivity and efficiency. They also identify business opportunities by conducting market research that would generate more revenue resources for the business and increase profits. An assistant store manager/operations manager assists the customers with their inquiries and concerns, resolve complaints, and process replacements and refunds as necessary.
Types of operations manager
Updated January 8, 2025
