Role of an Operations Manager: A Comprehensive Job Description
In the dynamic world of business, operations management stands out as a crucial role that ensures the smooth running of daily operations, team management, and performance monitoring. Operations managers are responsible for creating budgets that optimize costs based on revenue, aiming to maximize operating profits.
To excel in this field, several certifications can be beneficial, such as CPIM, CSCP, PMP, COM, Six Sigma, EOS Implementer, postgraduate certificates in operations management, among others. These certifications demonstrate proficiency in areas like process improvement and project management.
Successful operations managers possess a unique blend of leadership, communication, analytical thinking, problem-solving, time management, financial acumen, technical proficiency, and a strong understanding of advanced systems and tools. They use key performance indicators (KPIs) such as gross profit margin, net profit margin, operating profit margin, operating cash flow, and return per full-time employee to measure and assess the organization's performance.
A career in operations management may be ideal for those who are highly motivated, organised, passionate about business, and enjoy analytical thinking. Operations managers are pivotal in forecasting future expenses, identifying waste, cutting costs, and creating budgets. They also work closely with compliance officers and/or corporate counsel to ensure regulatory compliance.
Common career paths for operations managers typically begin with entry-level roles such as operations coordinator or assistant operations manager, progressing to operations manager positions, and potentially advancing to senior management roles like director of operations or chief operating officer. These roles exist across diverse industries including manufacturing, retail, logistics, healthcare, IT, and e-commerce, offering flexibility to specialize depending on personal interests and industry demand.
Inventory and supply chain management are another key component of an operations manager's job. They are responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, and improving business practices across all departments in an organization.
Aspiring operations managers should build a combination of leadership abilities, analytical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and adaptability, with clear progression from junior roles to senior managerial positions across multiple sectors. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Operations and Supply Chain Management can provide the opportunity to develop soft skills and new technical skills for a career in operations management.
Between 2023 and 2033, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a faster-than-average growth rate for operations managers, estimating the creation of 210,400 new jobs. Aspiring operations managers sometimes pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) focused on operations management to further develop their skills.
In summary, aspiring operations managers should focus on developing leadership, analytical, and technical skills, earning relevant certifications, and pursuing education in business or operations management. With the right combination of skills and experience, a career in operations management can offer exciting opportunities for growth and advancement across various industries.
[1] Career Path: Operations Manager - Indeed Career Guide [2] Operations Management - What Skills Do You Need? - Indeed Career Guide [3] How to Become an Operations Manager - The Balance Careers [4] Operations Management Certifications - The Balance Careers [5] Operations Manager - Job Description, Duties and Requirements - The Balance Careers
- In the realm of business operations, hospitality graduate seeking career development might find a fulfilling path in operations management, where they can utilize their leadership skills and learn financial acumen, technical proficiency, and advanced systems.
- To optimize their performance, operations managers often pursue certificates like CPIM, CSCP, PMP, or COM, illustrating their expertise in areas such as process improvement, project management, and supply chain management.
- Accounting and finance are essential aspects of operations management, as managers are tasked with creating budgets, forecasting expenses, identifying waste, and analyzing key performance indicators.
- In terms of education and self-development, an undergraduate degree in business administration focusing on operations and supply chain management can provide a solid foundation for a career in this field, along with various soft and technical skills.
- Career progression for operations managers usually begins with entry-level roles before advancing to management positions in diverse industries like manufacturing, retail, healthcare, IT, and e-commerce, offering opportunities for specialization based on personal interests and industry demand.
