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What does a systems operations manager do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

A systems operations manager monitors and ensures all systems and operations perform correctly during the company's daily activities. The systems operations manager's role is vital for a company as it makes sure that all processes are working efficiently and without any delay. The systems operations manager works with human resource and determines employee skills and provide suggestions and requests for capable people to handle specific and specialized roles under the systems operations department.

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Systems operations manager responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems operations manager resumes:

  • 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.
  • Develop QA program for cust.
  • Partner with payroll department to determine support levels and protocols.
  • Supervise a team of 4 to improve escalation procedures to prevent SLA breaches.
  • Add new blade servers, VMware technology, more robust stand-alone servers, etc.
  • Configure and set up SAN storage for VMware including DS4000 series storage and V7000 storage environments.
  • Design and implement a plan to connect multiple buildings using fiber optic cables and Linux base routers.
  • Hire and supervise outside consultants to customize financial software to allow data import from the billing and payroll
  • Advance quickly to operations manager of HVAC systems which also include building automation and large tonnage systems.
  • Implement and maintain a compliant system that follows regulations and guidelines specify by the FDA and ISO.

Systems operations manager skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Systems Operations Managers are proficient in Project Management, Systems Operations, and Customer Service. They’re also known for soft skills such as Management skills, Time-management skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Systems Operations Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Project Management, 11%

    Managed preventative maintenance program for all Bulk and cylinder gas distribution systems including Project management, assigning tasks, and follow-up/inspections.

  • Systems Operations, 7%

    Started as Food Cashier/Fountain Worker, ultimately promoted to Systems Operations Manager.

  • Customer Service, 5%

    Managed Customer Service department and operations of Warehouse - overseeing inventory control and distribution with consistent use of logistics management.

  • Process Improvement, 5%

    Implemented process improvements and recommended systems enhancements resulting in a 26% increase in staff productivity.

  • Management System, 4%

    Authored several technical specification documents outlining custom tag requirements and documenting the entire Wine Track wine cellar management system.

  • Troubleshoot, 4%

    Installed, customized, and authored management packs to troubleshoot events & alerts for servers and client applications.

Common skills that a systems operations manager uses to do their job include "project management," "systems operations," and "customer service." You can find details on the most important systems operations manager responsibilities below.

Time-management skills. Many systems operations manager duties rely on time-management skills. "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals.," so a systems operations manager will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways systems operations manager responsibilities rely on time-management skills: "resolve escalated customer issues monitor and take action on time keeping errors and payroll issues. "

Problem-solving skills. systems operations managers are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to systems operations manager responsibilities, because "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." A systems operations manager resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "installed a windows nt client server environment and custom oracle workflow solution for 120 users. "

Leadership skills. systems operations manager responsibilities often require "leadership skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." This resume example shows what systems operations managers do with leadership skills on a typical day: "performed network surveillance through the linux system and advised leadership of potential threats. "

Communication skills. A commonly-found skill in systems operations manager job descriptions, "communication skills" is essential to what systems operations managers do. Systems operations manager responsibilities rely on this skill because "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." You can also see how systems operations manager duties rely on communication skills in this resume example: "managed edi processing which included the setting up of new customers and all the communications facilitating procedures. "

See the full list of systems operations manager skills

The three companies that hire the most systems operations managers are:

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Compare different systems operations managers

Systems operations manager vs. 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. As an Information Systems Director, it is essential to lead and encourage staff to reach performance and service goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

If we compare the average systems operations manager annual salary with that of an information systems director, we find that information systems directors typically earn a $21,087 higher salary than systems operations managers make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both systems operations manager and information systems director positions are skilled in project management, customer service, and management system.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a systems operations manager are more likely to require skills like "systems operations," "process improvement," "troubleshoot," and "java." On the other hand, a job as an information systems director requires skills like "network infrastructure," "data warehouse," "financial systems," and "strategic plan." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Information systems directors really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $125,492. Comparatively, systems operations managers tend to make the most money in the hospitality industry with an average salary of $117,792.On average, information systems directors reach similar levels of education than systems operations managers. Information systems directors are 3.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Systems operations manager vs. Senior systems engineer

A senior systems engineer specializes in overseeing network systems, management tools, software, and hardware within a company or an organization. Their primary responsibility is to install, maintain, and resolve complex system issues using their years of extensive knowledge and expertise. They can also provide insights, troubleshooting, and technical support should it be needed. Furthermore, as a senior systems engineer, it is also their responsibility to lead, supervise, and coordinate with a team of skilled system engineers while in adherence to company policies and regulations.

A career as a senior systems engineer brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a systems operations manager. In fact, senior systems engineers salary is $1,614 lower than the salary of systems operations managers per year.A few skills overlap for systems operations managers and senior systems engineers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "project management," "management system," and "troubleshoot. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real systems operations manager resumes. While systems operations manager responsibilities can utilize skills like "systems operations," "customer service," "process improvement," and "sigma," senior systems engineers use skills like "architecture," "c++," "c #," and "system design."

On average, senior systems engineers earn a lower salary than systems operations managers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, senior systems engineers earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $116,608. Whereas systems operations managers have higher pay in the hospitality industry, with an average salary of $117,792.senior systems engineers earn similar levels of education than systems operations managers in general. They're 4.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Systems operations manager vs. 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. They also identify technical opportunities to improve network infrastructures and technology solutions. An information technology systems manager must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command of programming languages and system codes to design configuration and maintain the stability of systems.

An average information technology systems manager eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of systems operations managers. The difference in salaries amounts to information technology systems managers earning a $20,791 higher average salary than systems operations managers.systems operations managers and information technology systems managers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "project management," "customer service," and "management system," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a systems operations manager is likely to be skilled in "systems operations," "process improvement," "java," and "sigma," while a typical information technology systems manager is skilled in "network infrastructure," "tcp ip," "switches," and "tcp/ip."

Information technology systems managers earn the highest salary when working in the hospitality industry, where they receive an average salary of $139,343. Comparatively, systems operations managers have the highest earning potential in the hospitality industry, with an average salary of $117,792.Most information technology systems managers achieve a similar degree level compared to systems operations managers. For example, they're 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Systems operations manager vs. Manager, systems engineering

A systems engineering manager is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of the company's technology systems and network infrastructure. System engineering managers inspect the output deliverables of computer systems, identifying process improvement techniques to improve optimal performance and maintain high-quality results. They handle the department's budget and allocate adequate resources to support project management operations and requirements. A systems engineering manager must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, handling technical complexities, and configuring system management tools.

Managers, systems engineering typically earn higher pay than systems operations managers. On average, managers, systems engineering earn a $20,392 higher salary per year.While their salaries may vary, systems operations managers and managers, systems engineering both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "project management," "process improvement," and "management system. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "systems operations," "customer service," "troubleshoot," and "disaster recovery" are skills that commonly show up on systems operations manager resumes. On the other hand, managers, systems engineering use skills like systems engineering, architecture, infrastructure, and rf on their resumes.managers, systems engineering enjoy the best pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $131,371. For comparison, systems operations managers earn the highest salary in the hospitality industry.In general, managers, systems engineering hold similar degree levels compared to systems operations managers. Managers, systems engineering are 4.0% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of systems operations manager

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

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