How to hire a systems operations manager

How to hire a systems operations manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step systems operations manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a systems operations manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new systems operations manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a systems operations manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your systems operations manager job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a systems operations manager for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A systems operations manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, systems operations managers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of systems operations managers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Systems Operations Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Systems Operations Manager	Top executives devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities of companies and organizations.	$39-69
   Information Systems Director	An Information Systems Director spearheads and oversees a business establishment's information systems, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They set goals and guidelines, establish protocols and timelines, liaise with external business partners such as vendors and suppliers, manage staff, and develop strategies to optimize operations... Show more	$41-95
   Information Technology Systems Manager	An information technology systems manager is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and optimal performance of the organization's technology systems. Information technology systems managers ensure the safety and security of all the network systems, developing standard operating procedures to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities... Show more	$45-85

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Project Management
   • Systems Operations
   • Customer Service
   • Process Improvement
   • Management System
   • Troubleshoot
   • Java
   • Technical Support
   • Linux
   • Disaster Recovery
   • Sigma
   • Payroll
   • QA
   • Data Centers

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage all servers in Linux and AIX environments.
   • Architect and manage an ECM SharePoint 2007 farm including InfoPath, StoragePoint, and KnowledgeLake.
   • Manage multiple systems including: network server, email, VOIP system, online registration database.
   • Manage all HVAC systems on campus, including diagnosing problems, completing repairs, and performing preventative maintenance.
   • Manage to a client provide SLA using software and production statistics (such as dashboards, report queries etc . )
   • Integrate FCM into the strategic planning that lead to the transition of the initial SOX project into an ongoing process.

   More systems operations manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your systems operations manager job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A systems operations manager salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, systems operations managers' average salary in kentucky is 52% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level systems operations managers earn 42% less than senior-level systems operations managers.
   • Certifications. A systems operations manager with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a systems operations manager's salary.

   Average systems operations manager salary

   $109,735yearly

   $52.76 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level systems operations manager salary

   $83,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2026

   Average systems operations manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$136,059	$65
   2	New Jersey	$128,724	$62
   3	New York	$127,245	$61
   4	Maryland	$117,630	$57
   5	District of Columbia	$113,041	$54
   6	Virginia	$110,359	$53
   7	Colorado	$107,799	$52
   8	Washington	$105,978	$51
   9	North Carolina	$103,819	$50
   10	Texas	$99,358	$48
   11	Nevada	$98,501	$47
   12	Illinois	$98,155	$47
   13	Tennessee	$89,438	$43
   14	Minnesota	$85,813	$41
   15	Arizona	$83,226	$40
   16	Nebraska	$82,930	$40
   17	Georgia	$82,249	$40
   18	Iowa	$79,249	$38
   19	Florida	$68,283	$33

   Average systems operations manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Roku	$148,332	$71.31	9
   2	Apple	$144,276	$69.36	229
   3	Southern California Edison	$135,174	$64.99	12
   4	Amazon	$131,383	$63.16	1,651
   5	Medline	$118,828	$57.13	17
   6	Abbott	$116,266	$55.90	45
   7	Randstad North America, Inc.	$115,792	$55.67	21
   8	Groupon	$114,818	$55.20	2
   9	Air Wisconsin Airlines	$112,849	$54.25	1
   10	Spirit Airlines	$112,697	$54.18	2
   11	Essilor USA	$112,187	$53.94
   12	The WorkPlace Group	$111,957	$53.83
   13	Young Living Essential Oils	$111,143	$53.43
   14	Sierra Nevada	$110,529	$53.14	47
   15	Illumio	$110,515	$53.13
   16	NTT Europe Ltd	$109,555	$52.67	30
   17	Samsung Electronics Device Solutions (Semiconductor & Display)	$109,260	$52.53	52
   18	Glaxosmithkline	$109,169	$52.49
   19	Dispatch	$108,689	$52.25
   20	Infinity Consulting Solutions	$108,661	$52.24

4. Writing a systems operations manager job description

   A systems operations manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a systems operations manager job description:

   Systems operations manager job description example

   Come join a team that is strongly committed to providing quality service to SFERS members by directing and planning operations for the SFERS Retirement Services Division.
   
   Under direction of the Deputy Director for Retirement Services, the Retirement Operations Manager is responsible for all functions and activities of SFERS' Retirement Operations division, which includes directing, planning, and overseeing the following core services: processing benefit applications; maintaining historical employment and payroll data for City employees; and payment of retirement benefits as required under Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
   The essential functions of this position include:
   
   In conjunction with the Deputy Director of Retirement Services, plans, organizes, directs, and oversees the activities of the Retirement Operations division, including the calculation and payment of benefits and effective utilization of division resources.
   
   Proposes, develops, implements and monitors operational policies and procedures and ensures operational compliance with City Charter and Administrative Code provisions and Federal, State and City pension laws; researches and analyzes special benefit matters, retirement laws and tax issues.
   
   Develops procedures for implementation of various laws and regulations pertaining to the operations of a defined benefit retirement system (e.g., Charter amendments, Deferred Retirement Option Program etc.)
   
   Works with the central human resources and payroll divisions to coordinate payroll and other data required for the calculation and payment of benefits.
   
   Communicates and provides guidance to other City Departments when implementing operational policies and procedures.
   
   Manages data storage and record keeping of employment, payroll and SFERS pension-related data/records for all City employees.
   
   Directs the establishment and maintenance of auxiliary accounting/fiscal records and reports necessary for the proper recording and audit of approximately 35,000 Retirement System active members contributing through payroll deduction into the Retirement System Trust Fund.
   
   Prepares written communications and oral reports presenting complex benefit matters to a diverse population of Plan participants; prepares and presents recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Deputy Director for Retirement Services regarding the analysis, planning and policies related to benefit matters.
   
   Works closely with SFERS Information Systems Director in the development, implementation and maintenance of the SFERS benefits systems.
   
   Assists in the preparation, development and monitoring of the Retirement Operations budget.
   
   Works with the three other SFERS Plan sponsors to coordinate payroll and other data required for the calculation and payment of benefits: the San Francisco Unified School District; the San Francisco Community College District and the Superior Court of San Francisco.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right systems operations manager for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with systems operations managers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit systems operations managers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your systems operations manager job on Zippia to find and recruit systems operations manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit systems operations managers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new systems operations manager

   Once you've selected the best systems operations manager candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new systems operations manager. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a systems operations manager?