Find up to date salary information for jobs by country, and compare with national average, city average, and other job positions.

Operations Manager Job Description

Job Title: Operations Manager

Overview/Summary of the Role: The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a business. They ensure that systems and processes are in place to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of products and services. They work closely with various departments and teams to identify areas of improvement and to implement strategies that drive growth and profitability.

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives.
2. Manage day-to-day operations, including production, logistics, customer service, and quality control.
3. Establish and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and customers.
4. Identify areas for improvement and develop plans to optimize processes and systems.
5. Analyze financial data to monitor performance and identify trends.
6. Ensure the safety and security of all employees, equipment, and facilities.
7. Hire, train, and supervise staff members to ensure that they perform their duties effectively.
8. Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide the day-to-day operations of the business.
9. Develop and manage budgets for the operations department.
10. Set and monitor KPIs to evaluate performance and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Skills:

Hard Skills:
1. Excellent project management and organizational skills.
2. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
3. Proficient in data analysis and reporting.
4. Extensive knowledge of business operations and management principles.
5. Ability to use various software applications such as project management tools, ERP systems, and data analytics platforms.

Soft Skills:
1. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
2. Strong leadership and people management abilities.
3. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
4. Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
5. Strong decision-making and conflict resolution skills.

Education and Experience:

Required:
1. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
2. 5+ years of experience in operations management or a related field.
3. Proven track record of success in managing and developing high-performance teams.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred:
1. Master's degree in Business Administration or a related field.
2. Experience in a high-growth organization.
3. Experience with lean management principles or Six Sigma methodologies.
4. Certification in Project Management or Operations Management.

Licensing: There is no specific licensing required for an Operations Manager, but industry-specific certifications or licenses may be preferred by some employers.

Typical Employers: Operations Managers can be employed in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, hospitality, and finance. They may work in both large and small organizations, including corporate headquarters, production facilities, and distribution centers.

Work Environment: Operations Managers may work in an office setting or on the factory floor. They may be required to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, to oversee production and address any issues that may arise. They must also be comfortable working in a fast-paced and often stressful environment.

Career Pathways: Many Operations Managers start their careers in entry-level positions, such as production supervisor, and work their way up through the ranks. Advanced degrees, such as an MBA, can also be helpful in reaching this position. Next positions may include Director of Operations, Vice President of Operations, or Chief Operating Officer.

Job Growth Trend: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% job growth for Operations Managers in the United States between 2019 and 2029. The growth rate may vary depending on the industry, with the fastest growth expected in healthcare and logistics. Globally, the demand for Operations Managers is also expected to increase as companies seek to improve operational efficiency and productivity.

Career Satisfaction:
Operations managers often experience high levels of career satisfaction as they are responsible for ensuring that a company's daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. They also have the opportunity to make strategic decisions that can have a significant impact on the success of the company.

Related Job Positions:
Other related job positions include supply chain manager, logistics manager, production manager, facilities manager, and project manager.

Connected People:
Operations managers will typically interact with other department heads, such as finance, marketing, and human resources, as well as with employees at all levels of the organization.

Average Salary:
In the United States, the average salary for an operations manager is $83,000 per year. In the United Kingdom, the average salary is £38,000 per year. In Germany, the average salary is €67,000 per year. In India, the average salary is INR 1,249,000 per year. In Brazil, the average salary is R$137,000 per year.

Benefits Package:
Benefits packages for operations managers typically include healthcare, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and potential bonuses or profit-sharing opportunities.

Schedule and Hours Required:
Operations managers may work traditional office hours, but may also be required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays in order to meet operational demands. Some travel may also be required, particularly for those in charge of overseeing multiple locations.

Level of Autonomy: As an Operations Manager, you will have a significant level of autonomy in your role. You will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of your team and ensuring that they are meeting the goals and objectives set by upper management. You will have the authority to make decisions about processes, procedures, and staffing within your department, and will be expected to exercise sound judgment in doing so.

Opportunities for Professional Development and Advancement: As an Operations Manager, you will have many opportunities for professional development and advancement within your organization. You can expect to receive ongoing training and education to help you stay up-to-date on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to take on new roles and responsibilities within your company as you gain more experience and demonstrate your skills and leadership abilities.

Specialized Skills or Knowledge Required: In order to be successful as an Operations Manager, you will need to have a variety of specialized skills and knowledge. You should have a strong understanding of business operations, including finance, accounting, and budgeting. You should also be skilled in project management, problem-solving, and communication. Additionally, you should have a deep understanding of your industry and the competitive landscape, as well as a strong understanding of the regulatory environment in which your organization operates.

Physical Demands: As an Operations Manager, you can expect to spend a significant amount of time sitting at a desk and working on a computer. However, you may also need to spend time on the factory floor or in the warehouse, where you may be exposed to loud noises, heavy machinery, and other physical hazards. You should be able to stand for long periods of time and lift heavy objects as required.

Tools and Technologies Used: As an Operations Manager, you will be expected to be proficient in a variety of tools and technologies used in your industry. These may include project management software, financial and accounting software, database programs, and communication tools such as email and video conferencing. Additionally, you should be comfortable using specialized software and technologies used in your industry, such as manufacturing software or warehouse management systems.

Work Style:
As an Operations Manager, you need to be organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage and prioritize multiple tasks efficiently. You must also have excellent leadership and decision-making skills to ensure the smooth operation of the company. It is important to have a proactive and adaptable approach to work, as the role requires the ability to handle unexpected situations and adjust to the changing needs of the business.

Working Conditions:
Operations Managers work in an office environment with standard 9-5 business hours. However, since the role requires managing the day-to-day operations of the company, you may need to be available outside of regular business hours to address urgent issues. The job may also involve some travel to different company locations, client sites, or suppliers/vendors.

Team Size and Structure:
As an Operations Manager, you will be managing a team of individuals, from employees to contractors, who work in various departments such as production, logistics, and customer service. Therefore, it is important to have strong people management skills and the ability to bring together diverse teams to work towards common goals.

Collaboration and Communication Requirements:
Collaboration and communication are essential skills for an Operations Manager, as you will need to interact with various stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, vendors, and other departments within the company. Therefore, it is crucial to be an excellent communicator, both written and verbal, have strong interpersonal skills, and be able to build and maintain strong relationships.

Cultural Fit and Company Values:
To be a successful Operations Manager, you need to fit within the culture of the company and uphold the company values. This means being aligned with the company's goals and objectives, having a passion for the industry, and being willing to put in the effort to succeed. It is also important to embody the company's core values such as integrity, respect, and teamwork.