What Is an Operations Manager? How to Become One, Salary, Skills.

Operations managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day needs of a business so its processes flow smoothly. Here’s what to know about an operations manager’s salary, needed skills and how to become one.

What Is an Operations Manager?

Operations managers are responsible for handling the daily needs of a business, commonly spanning areas of finance, IT and/or logistics, depending on the company’s industry. This role often works with operations associates to support tasks such as scheduling, maintenance and other administrative duties. 

What Do Operations Managers Do?

The responsibilities of an operations manager can vary on a daily basis, and typically depend on the sector the company is in, but the common objective is to make processes and workflows run smoother and keep teams aligned around common goals. Sometimes, operations managers are responsible for managing inventory, supply chain management as well as budget planning and management. 

Operations Manager Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operations strategies. 
• Analyze and improve operational systems for HR, payroll and more. 
• Oversee and maintain company budgets. 
• Manage employee information documentation. 
• Offer feedback to company leadership on general business processes and how they can be improved. 

Operations Manager Within a Company

Operations managers can be a part of many departments within a company, such as HR, IT and finance. This role typically reports to the director of operations or vice president of operations. 

Importance of Operations Managers

Operations managers are essential to any business’ ability to function fully. Without an operations manager, foundational administrative tasks and procedures would not run properly.

What Skills Are Needed to Be an Operations Manager?

Qualifications to Be a Operations Manager

• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks. 
• Ability to think and strategize for the company’s big picture goals. 
• Detail oriented.
• Proficiency with documentation software.
• Familiarity with supply chain management. 

Operations Manager Prerequisites

• Most operations managers have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. 
•  Several years of experience working in business operations, customer service or related fields. 

Operations Manager Hard Skills

• Leadership skills. 
• Problem solving skills. 
• Critical thinking skills. 
• Mathematical skills. 
• Business acumen. 
• Data entry and documentation skills. 
• Financial and budget planning skills. 

Operations Manager Soft Skills

• Verbal and written communication skills. 
• Presentation skills. 
• Organizational and time management skills. 

Tools and Programs Operations Manager Use

• Slack 
• Trello
• ZenDesk 
• Notion
• PandaDoc
• Xero 
• Shippo 
• Pipedrive 

How to Become a Operations Manager

Operations Manager Education and Experience

Operations managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management or a related field. Since operations manager is a mid- to senior-level role, people looking to have this position should have several years of experience working in business operations. 

Operations Manager Certificates and Courses

• Accounting: From Beginner to Advanced!
• Bookkeeping Basics #1: Understand the Fundamentals
• Certified Program Management Professional
• ITIL Certification
• Supply Chain Management Certification

Operations Manager Career Path

Operations managers can be found across many industries from retail to healthcare to SaaS. Some commonly held positions before becoming an operations manager include operations associate and project manager. After being an operations manager, someone may become an operations director or vice president of operations. 

Operations Manager Salary and Job Outlook

Operations managers can expect a job growth rate of 6 percent between 2018 and 2028. 

The full compensation package for an operations manager depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s experience and geographic location. See below for detailed information on the average operations manager’s salary.