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Section manager vs operations manager

The differences between section managers and operations managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a section manager and an operations manager. Additionally, a section manager has an average salary of $95,857, which is higher than the $76,894 average annual salary of an operations manager.

The top three skills for a section manager include career development, project management and DOD. The most important skills for an operations manager are customer service, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Section manager vs operations manager overview

Section ManagerOperations Manager
Yearly salary$95,857$76,894
Hourly rate$46.09$36.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs293,821343,868
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4444
Years of experience66

What does a section manager do?

A section manager is responsible for supervising the overall production processes and operations of an organization. Section managers ensure that their designated sections run accurately and efficiently while following the highest standard protocols and internal regulations. They also identify opportunities to maximize the staff's productivity and perform quality control procedures that would enhance the current processes and fix any inconsistencies. A section manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to assist the staff and the business in achieving customer satisfaction.

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.

Section manager vs operations manager salary

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

Section ManagerOperations Manager
Average salary$95,857$76,894
Salary rangeBetween $63,000 And $145,000Between $47,000 And $123,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateRhode IslandDelaware
Best paying companyNVIDIAMcKinsey & Company Inc
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between section manager and operations manager education

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

Section ManagerOperations Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Section manager vs operations manager demographics

Here are the differences between section managers' and operations managers' demographics:

Section ManagerOperations Manager
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 74.1% Female, 25.9%Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.2% 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 section manager and operations manager duties and responsibilities

Section manager example responsibilities.

  • Implement ISO quality procedures and lead internal audits
  • Coordinate and manage the security operations of combat convoys moving and transporting equipment to different locations across hostile areas.
  • Manage payroll distribution process ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and confidentiality to protect client's privacy and prevent liability of exposure.
  • Perform contract negotiations, vendor selection, product introduction, ISO quality adherence, cost reductions, and inventory balancing.
  • Perform ongoing research and analysis of internal business requirements and project logistics.
  • Plan and request signal logistics support for battalion level operations and maintenance.
    • Show more

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.
    • Show more

Section manager vs operations manager skills

Common section manager skills
  • Career Development, 9%
  • Project Management, 9%
  • DOD, 6%
  • Performance Reviews, 6%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%
  • RF, 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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Updated January 8, 2025

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