What does a product operations associate do?
A product operations associate performs various support tasks to assist the operations manager and maintain smooth workflow operations. Their responsibilities usually include preparing documentation, coordinating with different teams, participate in planning and executing product roadmaps, liaising with internal and external parties, handling calls and correspondence, monitoring product inventories, and processing orders in an accurate and timely manner. In some situations, a product operations associate may have the responsibility to secure sales and assist clients by answering inquiries, discussing product or service specifications, and resolving issues, ensuring client satisfaction.
Product operations associate responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real product operations associate resumes:
- Manage SharePoint database and spreadsheet for coverage opinion bills.
- Process and package materials under FDA guidelines.
- Maintain warehouse and equipment to meet FDA standards.
- Inspect lenses visually and using micrometers, verniers, calipers, invert microscopes and comparators and document.
- Oversee direct deposit enrollment and benefits enrollment organizing and faxing forms to corporate payroll and outsourcing company to ensure employee enrollment.
- Interact with operations manager to assess, troubleshoot and problem-solve production issues, ensuring timely claims processing and campaign delivery.
Product operations associate skills and personality traits
We calculated that 29% of Product Operations Associates are proficient in Data Analysis, Derivative, and QA. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Interpersonal skills, and Selling skills.
We break down the percentage of Product Operations Associates that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Analysis, 29%
Perform data analysis for any data issue reported by line of business.
- Derivative, 22%
Managed global Equity Derivative reporting transition project for Dodd-Frank regulations.
- QA, 14%
Performed QA testing and visual inspection of film used in the Kodak Ektachem Blood Analyzer.
- R, 10%
Developed an intelligent algorithm coded in Java and R to identify switch and track points based on raw data.
- Equities, 4%
Performed daily Profit and Loss reconciliation for equities business.
- CAD, 3%
Worked 12 hour rotating shifts, operating silicon processing CAD machines.
Common skills that a product operations associate uses to do their job include "data analysis," "derivative," and "qa." You can find details on the most important product operations associate responsibilities below.
Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a product operations associate to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "retail sales workers must be responsive to the wants and needs of customers." Product operations associates often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "merchandised and stocked shelves maintained overall cleanliness of store, also operated cash register, help customers take purchases to cars. "
Interpersonal skills. Many product operations associate duties rely on interpersonal skills. "a friendly and outgoing personality is important for these workers because the job requires almost constant interaction with people.," so a product operations associate will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways product operations associate responsibilities rely on interpersonal skills: "exhibited excellent organizational, interpersonal, and customer relation skills. "
Selling skills. product operations associates are also known for selling skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to product operations associate responsibilities, because "retail sales workers must be persuasive when interacting with customers." A product operations associate resume example shows how selling skills is used in the workplace: "resolved a high volume of reports in a time-sensitive manner using salesforce service cloud and internal engineering systems. "
Math skills. For certain product operations associate responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "math skills." The day-to-day duties of a product operations associate rely on this skill, as "retail sales workers must have the ability to calculate price totals, discounts, and change owed to customers." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what product operations associates do: "work with quantitative research on financial models on calculating coupon, financing rates and future cash flow. "
The three companies that hire the most product operations associates are:
- Crestron Electronics
8 product operations associates jobs
- Stripe5 product operations associates jobs
- Advance Auto Parts4 product operations associates jobs
Compare different product operations associates
Product operations associate vs. Business developer
A business developer specializes in conducting in-depth business analysis and crafting various strategies that would not just help a business grow, but also strengthen client base and brand awareness. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around identifying areas in need of improvement. They come up with new services that will boost customer satisfaction, examining the potential for revenue and figuring out new opportunities from trends or other pre-existing programs within the company. All of this is conducted according to the vision, mission, and policies of the organization.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between product operations associates and business developer. For instance, product operations associate responsibilities require skills such as "product operations," "data analysis," "derivative," and "qa." Whereas a business developer is skilled in "healthcare," "crm," "customer service," and "work ethic." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Business developers tend to reach higher levels of education than product operations associates. In fact, business developers are 6.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Product operations associate vs. Business development internship
A business development intern is responsible for supporting the organization's goals and objectives in providing the best services to clients and ensuring a smooth flow of operations with maximum productivity and efficiency. Business development interns observe the operational processes of the department and perform duties under the supervision of a direct manager or tenured staff. They also assist with the creation of new products and services, pitching strategies to promote them in the market, develop marketing campaigns, and creating proposals for business partnership purposes. A business development intern must be detail-oriented and highly organized to support daily operations.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real product operations associate resumes. While product operations associate responsibilities can utilize skills like "product operations," "derivative," "qa," and "equities," business development interns use skills like "market research," "social media marketing," "data entry," and "crm."
Business development interns earn higher levels of education than product operations associates in general. They're 6.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Product operations associate vs. Business development consultant
The role of business consultants is to provide an analysis of a company on its business practices and make recommendations for long-term goals. This role is also connected with various duties and responsibilities, including reviewing the company's financial statements, engaging in research on how to improve the company's offers, and developing new business models. Also, business consultants are responsible for negotiating contracts as needed, initiating plans and strategies to minimize company losses and drive profits. They may also function as the company's representative in promotional events and trade associations.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a product operations associate is likely to be skilled in "product operations," "data analysis," "derivative," and "qa," while a typical business development consultant is skilled in "healthcare," "crm," "cloud," and "strategic thinking."
Most business development consultants achieve a higher degree level compared to product operations associates. For example, they're 10.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Product operations associate vs. Business internship
In a business internship, the responsibilities will vary by the directives given by the supervising staff. However, one of the primary duties as an intern is to perform support-related tasks for the department or office where they are assigned. An intern may participate in marketing research and analysis, devising sales strategies, producing progress reports and presentations, and even handling social media accounts for public relations, all while under the supervision of a more experienced colleague.
Types of product operations associate
Updated January 8, 2025
