Automatically apply for jobs with Zippia

Upload your resume to get started.

Operations specialist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.,

Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.

One of the most important hard skills an operations specialist can possess is experience designing and revising operational procedures because this is one of the most impactful responsibilities of an operations specialist. It's also important for operations specialists to have the hard skill of ensuring compliance, and leading initiatives that help meet sales goals.

When it comes to soft skills, operations specialists should have strong leadership and oversight skills above all else. Operations specialists need to ensure the organization is favorably received by customers, so strong customer service skills are also crucial.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical operations specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for operations specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 21.3% of operations specialist resumes contained customer service as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an operations specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 operations specialist skills for your resume and career

1. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how operations specialists use customer service:

Developed operational process improvements based on customer service requirements
Conducted and maintained heavy internal/external customer service communications, researched/reconciled trade differences and controlled/monitored aged items while maintaining clearance account.

2. Logistics

Logistics is a complete organization and implementation of a problem. Logistics are often considered in a complex business operation, as some works need detailed plannings. Logistics are also used in military action.

Here's how operations specialists use logistics:

Provided logistics support plans for testing workshops to include procurement of essential equipment, inspection of training areas and reservations management.
Developed situation reports, facility operations, logistics and tracking for maneuvering and navigation of naval warships during Persian Gulf War.

3. Basic Math

Here's how operations specialists use basic math:

Use basic math skills and follow verbal instructions.
Cash handling and basic mathematical skills.

4. PowerPoint

Here's how operations specialists use powerpoint:

Developed six-month study to analyze corporate culture and delivered conclusion in a PowerPoint presentation for senior management.
Created presentation materials using MS PowerPoint for all Performance Improvement events attended by physicians and clinical staff.

5. Customer Satisfaction

Here's how operations specialists use customer satisfaction:

Provided one-on-one training for new associates, incorporating best practices, increasing customer satisfaction, and reducing organizational financial loss.
Demonstrated leadership and contributed to quality control and customer satisfaction, reduced losses and productivity standards for admin group incentives.

6. Operational Procedures

The operational procedure means the prescriptive documents that describe processes involving several partners. The involved techniques get utilized in defining the related work.

Here's how operations specialists use operational procedures:

Coach associates to be efficient/in compliance with policies/procedures in customer service, operational procedures, transactions accuracy and customer engagement.
Subject matter expert and active team member supporting branch growth and goals regarding operational understanding and implementation of operational procedures.

Choose from 10+ customizable operations specialist resume templates

Build a professional operations specialist 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 specialist resume.

7. Data Entry

Data entry means entering data into a company's system with the help of a keyboard. A person responsible for entering data may also be asked to verify the authenticity of the data being entered. A person doing data entry must pay great attention to tiny details.

Here's how operations specialists use data entry:

Played central role in processing numerous transactions and completing extensive data entry of key information into company's computerized database.
Operate personal workstation terminal for inputting, editing, and capturing customer transactions and perform data entry functions as required

8. Excellent Organizational

Here's how operations specialists use excellent organizational:

Possess excellent organizational and calendar management skills Ensure business supplies are fully stocked for all employees.
Gained positive leadership and teamwork skills all while maintaining excellent organizational skills.

9. Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing and fixing any kind of problem in a system or a machine. Troubleshooting is the detailed yet quick search in the system for the main source of an issue and solving it.

Here's how operations specialists use troubleshoot:

Operated and troubleshoot complex tactical computer systems and networks, incorporating satellite communications, global position navigation and electronic charting systems.
Developed policies and procedures governing how to troubleshoot IT issues, including identification, documentation, distribution and resolution.

10. Process Improvement

Here's how operations specialists use process improvement:

Provide analysis for the Facilities Management Department on electric costs, inventory control and ordering process improvement utilizing Facility Wizard software.
Identified process improvement opportunities by compiling key metrics, analyzing trends, and presenting findings paired with strategic suggestions for implementation.

11. Quality Standards

Quality standards are a specific level of standards of products that are set by the companies for the customers that have to be met and maintained throughout the process until the time of delivery. Quality standards are information that includes the customer's requirements, guidelines, and characteristics for the needed final product or service.

Here's how operations specialists use quality standards:

Process auto loan documentation according to bank guidelines, quality standards, regulatory requirements, customer service-level agreements, and deadlines.
Provide continual reviews of the different functional operations to ensure all program processes and quality standards are meeting organizational objectives.

12. Math

Here's how operations specialists use math:

Completed DB Specialist training I and II in acturial math, pension accounting and pension regulations.
Register inventory Unload trucks Skills Used Time management General Math Skills Verbal Communication Customer Service Resolving Conflict Teamwork Client Relationships

13. Work Ethic

Here's how operations specialists use work ethic:

Promoted from Operations Specialist based on management knowledge and excellent work ethic.
Recognized by Management for dedicated work ethic and productivity.

14. HR

HR stands for human resources and is used to describe the set of people who work for a company or an organization. HR responsibilities revolve around updating employee records and carrying out management processes like planning, recruitment, evaluation, and selection processes. HR is a key contributor to any company or organization's growth as they are in charge of hiring the right employees, processing payrolls, conducting disciplinary actions, etc.

Here's how operations specialists use hr:

Audit payroll system reconciliation summaries, generating regular reports for District Manager and HR department.
Provided specialized expertise to resolve complex retirement cases received within HR Services.

15. Strong Analytical

Here's how operations specialists use strong analytical:

Team player and individual contributor with strong analytical skills.
Use strong analytical skills to achieve challenging goals.

5 Operations Specialist resume examples

Build a professional operations specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 5+ resume templates to create your operations specialist resume.

Create my resume

Build a professional resume in minutes using this template.

What skills help Operations Specialists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on operations specialist resumes?

Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Business and Management, MBA Faculty Director, Associate - School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College

The skills or competencies that stand out are those that add value to an organization. They complement the skills of those already working there and advance the organization's products, services, or culture. Transferrable or timeless skills transcend industries and stand out on resumes. They include leadership, teamwork, project management, and collaboration. Of course, individuals who list these skills on their resumes should effectively demonstrate that they have developed and are proficient in these areas. Business specialists should be ready to provide examples in writing/print or audio-video media, such as links to their work.

What soft skills should all operations specialists possess?

Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Business and Management, MBA Faculty Director, Associate - School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College

Today's business environment is complex and continues to evolve. Creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage or lead in turbulent times are essential twenty-first-century skills. Critical and strategic thinking, organizing, and planning are also salient skills. Business specialists with these skills make important contributions to their organizations. They often lead when no one else can or wants to. Communicating and being visible throughout one's division, department, or organization are important to the well-being and prosperity of the organization and the individuals who work there. Business specialists can develop and practice these leadership skills on-site or remotely. Internal and external relationship-building leads to trustworthy and mutually beneficial relationships and/or partnerships.

What hard/technical skills are most important for operations specialists?

Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Business and Management, MBA Faculty Director, Associate - School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College

Respectful communication, including email and video conferencing etiquette, is most important across all settings. Different business functions and roles require different skill sets. What is hard for some can be easy or relatively easy for others. Becoming proficient in office productivity software/applications and presentation platforms is vital to one's career development. The ability to effectively network online is also important. I encourage my students to keep their professional profiles on LinkedIn current. If they need to develop their time management skills, I encourage them to use a calendar or scheduling tool.

What operations specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Matthew Nagler

Professor and Chair, The City College of New York

A gap year might be the right move for some students, especially if the online environment is not for them. Fortunately, I know of students who have obtained great online internships, jobs, and other opportunities that allow them to grow their experience during the pandemic. Many companies are seeking online talent to build out products and marketing strategies.

What type of skills will young operations specialists need?

Stephen Cusick

Aviation Safety Professor, Florida Institute of Technology

Outstanding computer skills, flexibility to adapt to changing technical requirements.

What technical skills for an operations specialist stand out to employers?

Troy Hogue

Director, Henderson State University

The skill that immediately comes to mind for a pilot position is flying an airplane: both right stick and rudder skills and instrument skills. But as technology advances, pilots also need to be skilled at learning and using new technology as it continues to emerge and advance. Being able to understand aircraft powerplants and systems is also essential. So while students may not have much or any mechanical experience before they start their flight training, they will learn how aircraft engines and aircraft systems work as part of their training.

Do you want to know more?

List of operations specialist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for an operations specialist resume and required skills for an operations specialist to have include:

Customer Service
Logistics
Basic Math
PowerPoint
Customer Satisfaction
Operational Procedures
Data Entry
Excellent Organizational
Troubleshoot
Process Improvement
Quality Standards
Math
Work Ethic
HR
Strong Analytical
Payroll

SharePoint
Operational Issues
Operational Support
Data Analysis
Windows
ACH
Branch Management
SQL
Problem Resolution
DOD
Google Drive
Customer Inquiries
Customer Support
External Clients
ATM
Account Maintenance

Smartphones
Management System
Inventory Control
QA
Combat
Bank Secrecy Act
Remote Deposit Capture
Outbound Calls
Customer Accounts
Client Accounts
Federal Regulations
General Ledger Accounts
Dehydration
Customer Issues
Wire Transfers

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse business and financial jobs