Operations Manager

Working Schedule

Operations Managers typically work full-time, with the possibility of overtime during busy periods. They may work in various settings, including offices, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers.

Typical Duties

• Write, implement, and enforce policies and procedures to improve operations, reduce inefficiencies, and maintain regulatory compliance
• Establish production goals and other objectives, along with realistic timeframes
• Oversee and coordinate processes related to production, supply chain and distribution activities, sales, and financial tasks such as budgeting, resource allocation, and cost-saving measures
• Monitor performance metrics to identify areas for improvement
• Review projected customer demands. Help establish pricing and credit terms. Execute marketing strategies like sales promotions
• Organize staff schedules and handle certain personnel management duties, such as hiring, training, and giving performance reviews
• Anticipate and mitigate workflow issues by maintaining proper equipment maintenance schedules
• Address production issues immediately to prevent work stoppage. Identify root causes of problems
• Oversee quality assurance and testing procedures
• Develop environmental and sustainability programs to reduce waste and ecological impacts
• Develop and use advanced data analytics tools to optimize supply chains and identify opportunities for operational improvements
• Oversee change management efforts for new technology implementations and process overhauls
• Help optimize processes that impact customer satisfaction, such as order fulfillment, delivery, and returns management

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct risk assessments and develop crisis management plans for handling emergencies, such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or supply chain disruptions
• Work with company training managers to create safe work environments
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations by conducting regular audits and implementing corrective actions
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers and vendors
• Coach junior managers and help them advance their careers

Soft Skills

• Adaptability
• Analytical
• Attention to detail
• Communication
• Conflict resolution
• Critical thinking
• Decision-making
• Leadership
• Motivation
• Organization
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Time management

Technical Skills

• Accounting, budgeting, and financial management programs
• Budget management
• Change management
• Cloud-based data-sharing programs (Google Drive, Slack)
• Contract negotiation and vendor management
• Data analysis and reporting
• Document management
• Enterprise resource planning systems
• Human resources management
• Process mapping
• Production processes
• Project management and software (Monday, Asana)
• Quality control techniques
• Risk assessment and crisis management
• Scheduling and timeline management
• Supply chain management
• Teleconferencing

• Healthcare facilities
• Logistics and distribution firms
• Manufacturing companies
• Retail businesses
• Service providers
• Technology companies 

"Options are endless! Any team operation—accounting, human resources, reception…" - Nicole Kohorts, Service Operations Coordinator at Air Treatment Corporation

Operations Managers are expected to maintain high standards of efficiency and productivity. The job requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to make quick decisions that may have far-reaching consequences.  

They often work under pressure to meet tight deadlines and must be prepared to handle unexpected challenges. Thus, they need strong leadership and teamwork skills, along with a dose of flexibility.

Long hours may be required to address challenges, especially during critical project phases. Despite the job demands, Operational Managers derive satisfaction from making positive impacts on their employer’s organization.

Operations management is evolving with advancements in automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics. These tools provide real-time insights to enhance decision-making and streamline workflows, leading to better project tracking, resource allocation, and risk management. These advantages help organizations boost productivity and reduce costs.

Meanwhile, agile frameworks are changing operations by fostering collaboration, adaptability, and continuous feedback. By breaking projects into smaller chunks, teams can respond faster to changes and reduce inefficiencies.

Another trend is that organizations are increasingly integrating sustainable and socially responsible practices, such as using renewable energy sources to reduce carbon footprints, minimizing waste, and promoting fair labor practices and safer working conditions.

"To reduce carbon footprints and eliminate R-22 refrigerant." - Nicole Kohorts, Service Operations Coordinator at Air Treatment Corporation

Operations Managers must be very process-oriented and able to elicit the best work out of employees. They may have exhibited natural leadership and management traits as kids, comfortable being in the center of the action. Their parents might have given them chores and responsibilities at an early age, or perhaps they were simply drawn to taking charge of things at school. 
 
Many Operations Managers honed their skills over years, working at early ages in retail stores, warehouses, or other logistics-oriented settings. Some may have also served in military positions, acquiring discipline and a sense of urgency that carried over into their civilian careers. 

"For me, it was crafting, organizing, cosplay…" - Nicole Kohorts, Service Operations Coordinator at Air Treatment Corporation

"Mondays are payroll to process. Every business day is sending out the daily work order report to the customer from the previous day. Pay any department payables and submit startup reports. Work on generating the department manual." - Nicole Kohorts, Service Operations Coordinator at Air Treatment Corporation