番茄视频

What Is Operations Management?

Have you ever been to a doctor鈥檚 office or restaurant where your experience is efficient, smooth and organized? This kind of experience is led by effective operations management, where intentional processes, procedures and practices ensure efficiency. Whether it鈥檚 in a business serving customers or developing products behind the scenes, operations management is vital for quality, customer satisfaction and profitability. 

Operations managers, also known as ops managers, bring strategic leadership skills to these efforts by analyzing performance metrics and transforming findings into optimized processes. They apply innovative solutions that create operational efficiency and effectiveness. 

Are you organized, detail-oriented and committed to working 鈥渟marter, not harder?鈥� If so, an operations management career might be a great fit for you. This comprehensive guide gives you all you need to know.听

Operations vs. General Management

Sometimes operations management is mistaken for general management. While they鈥檙e similar in some ways, they differ in their scope, focus and impact. A general manager works more broadly, with oversight of an entire business and its overall direction. Operations managers hone in on functional components of the business that ensure it operates optimally.

What Does an Operations Manager Do?

Operations managers are go-getters, difference makers and influential leaders. They oversee critical operational aspects of a business. Specifically, they impact profitability, customer satisfaction and organizational goals. Their versatility allows them to work in several industries, including manufacturing, retail, logistics and supply chain management, healthcare, hospitality, technology start-ups and more.

Operations Management Responsibilities

• Process improvement: Implementing to maximize customer value and applying concepts to minimize waste and improve product quality.听
• Resource allocation: Utilizing people, budget and equipment effectively.听
• Performance monitoring and reporting: Identifying key performance indicators and overseeing trends.听
• Supply chain and inventory management: Overseeing product development and tracking inventory.听
• Quality control and assurance: Ensuring products and/or services meet required standards.听
• Compliance and risk management: Ensuring the business adheres to laws, regulations and policies while also minimizing potential risk.听
• Human resources and leadership: Hiring, training and managing employees while also overseeing their performance.听
• Financial oversight: Managing budgets and financial operations.听
• Strategic planning: Developing and implementing strategic plans that align with overall business goals.听

Skills Needed to Be an Effective Operations Manager

When identifying how to become an operations manager, it鈥檚 important to gain skills that will contribute to your daily success.

Education Requirements

While every operations job description looks different, there are general expectations when it comes to education. 

• Bachelor’s degree: Operations management, business administration, supply chain management, engineering or another related field听
• Master’s degree (preferred for senior-level roles): Operations management degree or Master of Business Administration听
• Certifications (optional but worthwhile): Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt, Black Belt), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Operations Manager (COM)听

Operations Manager Salary and Job Outlook

The median annual salary for operations managers is $105,350.¹

Operations manager roles are projected to grow 6%, faster than average, between 2023 and 2033.¹

Operations manager salaries are sometimes affected by factors including level of experience, company size and industry.听

Business Operations Career Path and Advancement

Operations manager requirements include experience, so you鈥檒l need to get your feet wet in the field before reaching management. The great news is that it鈥檚 a career where you have various opportunities for advancement. 

Many operations roles are generalized, where you鈥檒l wear many hats, but some are specialized, where you can focus on a certain area of operations management. For example, you can work in a Lean Six Sigma operations role. 

• Entry-level roles: Operations coordinator, business analyst, project coordinator听
• Mid-level: Operations manager, operations supervisor, team lead, project manager听
• Senior roles: Director of operations, vice president of operations听
• Executive roles: Chief operating officer (COO), consulting (specializing in supply chain, logistics, quality assurance or another operations component)听

Similar Career Guides to Explore

Sources 

¹