What does an Operations Manager do?

An Operations Manager oversees the daily workings of a company's operations. This role is pivotal in ensuring that business activities are efficient and effective, directly contributing to the organization's profitability and service quality. Operations Managers handle key decision-making, manage operational costs, supervise production processes, and develop strategies to improve productivity and efficiency. They coordinate various departments, ensuring that they function as a unified entity to meet business goals.

Their responsibilities extend to managing staff, resource allocation, and implementing technologies and systems that optimize organizational health and customer satisfaction.

Operations Manager: Main duties

Operations Managers in the Management field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

  • Oversee daily operations of the company and the work of executives (IT, Marketing, Sales, Finance etc.).
  • Lead employees to encourage maximum performance and dedication.
  • Evaluate performance by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics.
  • Write and submit reports to the CEO in all matters of importance.
  • Manage relationships with partners/vendors.
  • Participate in expansion activities (investments, acquisitions, corporate alliances etc.).
  • Manage procurement processes and coordinate material and resources allocation.
  • Oversee customer support processes and organize them to enhance customer satisfaction.

Operations Manager: Key Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field; MBA preferred.
  • Proven experience as Operations Manager or similar leadership role.
  • Familiarity with all business functions including HR, finance, supply chain and IT.
  • Experience with budgeting and risk management.
  • Excellent knowledge of data analytics and reporting tools.
  • Outstanding organizational and leadership abilities.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Operations Managers

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving.
  • Excellent ability to lead and develop personnel.
  • Great customer service orientation and negotiation skills.
  • High degree of dedication to improvement and strong sense of ownership.

Salary Expectations for Operations Managers


Job Branch Avg. US Salary
Operations Manager Management 70,000 USD

The average salary for an Operations Manager in the U.S. is approximately $70,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Operations Managers may receive a wide range of benefits.

Level Experience Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran20+ years$87,500
Senior11+ years$77,000
Experienced6-10 years$70,000
Mid Level3-5 years$63,000
Entry Level0-2 years$52,500

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Operations Manager Salary Country Overview.

Career Path for Operations Managers

Operations Managers can progress to higher executive roles such as a Chief Operations Officer (COO), focusing on managing and optimizing organizational processes to achieve strategic business objectives or even Chief Executive Officer (CEO), depending on the company structure and individual performance. Advancement typically requires extensive experience, demonstrated leadership abilities, and often an advanced degree in business administration or management.

Operations Manager: Work Environment

Operations Managers typically work in an office setting but may spend time in various departments of a company to monitor operations and solve problems. The job may require working extra hours, especially in larger companies or during critical periods (such as product launches or system overhauls). The role demands a high level of multitasking, frequent interaction with staff across all departments, and a dynamic approach to managing business operations.

Cityjobs.info provides not only a detailed Operations Manager job description but also insights about salary data in different countries worldwide.


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