What are the core responsibilities of an operations manager?

Oversee and improve processes that transform inputs into goods and services, ensuring quality and cost control. Manage budgets and staff, set policies, coordinate across teams, and use data to spot bottlenecks and raise efficiency.

Operations management is a crucial aspect of any organization, as it is responsible for overseeing the production of goods and services.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations are projected to generate 800k+ more jobs by 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

In the United States, the highest concentration of operations managers is in the manufacturing, wholesale trade, and retail trade industries.

If you are aspiring to begin a career in operations management, you will discover all you need in this guide: from detailed job duties and responsibilities of an operations manager to a variety of operation manager job description examples.

What is Operations Management?


Operations management is the field of business that is responsible for the planning, coordinating, and controlling the resources needed to produce a company's goods and services.

It involves managing the processes that transform inputs (such as raw materials, labor, and energy) into finished products and services.

Operations management also includes managing the supply chain, which includes the flow of materials and information from suppliers to the company and from the company to customers.

This field is concerned with maximizing efficiency and productivity while minimizing costs. It involves making decisions about the design and management of systems that produce goods and services, as well as managing the use of resources such as people, equipment, and technology.

It is a crucial aspect of business management, as it plays a key role in determining the competitiveness of a company and its ability to deliver high-quality products and services to customers.

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Operations Manager Job Duties


Operations managers play a crucial role in ensuring that business operations are efficient, well-coordinated, and aligned with the goals and objectives of the organization.

Specific responsibilities of an operations manager may include:

  • Planning and coordinating the production process
  • Managing and improving processes and systems
  • Ensuring that products and services meet high-quality standards
  • Monitoring and controlling budgets and expenses
  • Hiring, training, and managing staff
  • Developing and implementing policies and procedures
  • Identifying and addressing problems and bottlenecks in the production process
  • Collaborating with other departments, such as sales, marketing, and finance
  • Analyzing data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement

Operations managers work closely with other members of the management team to ensure that the organization's goals are met.

They are often in charge of developing and implementing strategies to improve efficiency and increase productivity.

Also read: How to write an operations manager resume?

Operations Manager Job Description for Different Fields


We have discussed the core duties of this profile, now let’s take a deep dive into the operations manager job description for different fields.

Business Operations Manager Job Description


Business operations managers oversee various aspects of the business, including financial management, human resources, information technology, and other areas that are critical to the smooth operation of the organization.

The job description of a business operations manager may include the following responsibilities:

Job description:
  • Develop and implement strategies and plans to improve efficiency and profitability
  • Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of business operations
  • Oversee the budgeting and financial planning process
  • Manage and develop relationships with vendors and suppliers
  • Coordinate and oversee the work of different departments within the organization
  • Recruit, hire, and train staff
  • Manage employee performance and provide feedback and improvement lessons
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures
  • Ensure compliance with all business laws and regulations
  • Identify and implement process improvements

A business operations manager should have strong leadership and management skills, as well as excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.

They should also have a solid understanding of business principles and be able to analyze and interpret financial data.

Also read: Top operations manager interview questions with example answers

IT Operations Manager Job Description


IT operations manager responsibilities include maintaining network infrastructure and resolving system issues.

A prerequisite for this role is to have experience with IT performance management, network administration, and system security. Moreover, if you are also familiar with data protection regulations and able to juggle multiple projects, it can be a game changer for you.

A typical IT operations manager job description should look like this:

Job description:
  • Monitor and optimize the networks and servers of local company infrastructure.
  • Take responsibility for managing devices and passwords within the company.
  • Supervise data backup procedures and maintain system security, including user authorization and firewalls.
  • Coordinate hardware and software installations, upgrades, and configurations.
  • Evaluate system performance and recommend enhancements for better efficiency.
  • Resolve escalated technical issues reported by technicians and engineers.
  • Ensure compliance with legal and company guidelines for data handling, transfer, and processing.
  • Provide support and guidance to stakeholders through the help desk.
  • Control IT system costs and budgets effectively.
  • Manage vendor contracts, including those for development platforms, telecommunication services, and password management.
  • Develop and enforce IT policies and practices within the organization.

Also read: Director Of Operations Resume: Sample and Free Template

Marketing Operations Manager Job Description


As a marketing operations manager, you will play a critical role in optimizing and managing the marketing processes and systems within our organization.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and drive measurable results. Here’s a sample marketing operations manager job description:

Job description:
  • Develop and implement marketing strategies and campaigns in collaboration with the marketing team to drive lead generation and customer acquisition.
  • Oversee the marketing technology stack, including marketing automation platforms, CRM systems, and analytics tools, to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.
  • Manage and maintain the marketing database, ensuring data accuracy, cleanliness, and compliance with data protection regulations.
  • Monitor and analyze marketing metrics and KPIs to identify areas for improvement and optimize marketing campaigns for maximum effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to define and document marketing processes, workflows, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to drive operational efficiency and scalability.
  • Conduct regular audits and quality checks to ensure adherence to brand guidelines, messaging consistency, and regulatory compliance across all marketing channels.
  • Provide guidance and support to the marketing team on campaign execution, data analysis, and marketing best practices.
  • Identify opportunities for process automation and implement marketing technology solutions to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in marketing operations, and make recommendations for their application within the organization.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, finance, and IT, to align marketing initiatives with overall business goals and objectives.

If you are a detail-oriented and data-driven individual with a passion for marketing and technology, this position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to our company's growth and success.

Also read: How to write an operations supervisor resume?

FAQs on Operations Manager Job Description


Q. What does an operations manager do??

A. An operations manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing various operational processes within an organization. They typically manage and coordinate activities related to production, logistics, supply chain, and quality control. Their role involves ensuring efficient resource allocation, implementing process improvements, and fostering collaboration across teams to achieve operational goals and maximize productivity.

Q. What is an operation manager's salary in the United States?

A. The salary of an operations manager in the United States can vary depending on factors such as the industry, company size, location, and level of experience. On average, the annual salary for an operations manager in the United States ranges from $60,000 to $130,000, with the median salary falling around $88,000.

Q. What are the key responsibilities in a job description of a senior operations manager?

A. The key responsibilities of a senior operations manager are:

  • Strategic planning
  • Team leadership
  • Process optimization
  • Budget and resource management
  • Stakeholder collaboration

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is operations management?

    Operations management is the field of business that plans, coordinates, and controls resources to produce goods and services. It manages processes that transform inputs into finished products and services while minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency and productivity.

  • What does an operations manager do?

    You oversee and optimize operational processes across production, logistics, supply chain, and quality control. You allocate resources efficiently, implement process improvements, and foster collaboration across teams to achieve goals and maximize productivity.

  • How do operations managers improve efficiency and productivity?

    You develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency and increase productivity. You analyze data, identify bottlenecks, and manage processes and resources to drive continuous improvement.

  • Which industries in the United States employ the highest concentration of operations managers?

    In the United States, the highest concentration of operations managers is in the manufacturing, wholesale trade, and retail trade industries.

  • What does a business operations manager do?

    You oversee financial management, human resources, information technology, vendor relations, budgeting, and cross-department coordination. You develop strategies, monitor KPIs, implement policies and process improvements, and ensure legal compliance.

  • What does an IT operations manager do?

    You maintain network infrastructure, resolve system issues, and supervise data backups and security. You coordinate installations and upgrades, resolve escalations, control IT budgets, manage vendor contracts, and enforce IT policies and data compliance.

  • What are the prerequisites for an IT operations manager?

    You need experience with IT performance management, network administration, and system security. Familiarity with data protection regulations and the ability to juggle multiple projects strengthen your candidacy.

  • What does a marketing operations manager do?

    You develop and implement marketing strategies with the team, oversee the marketing technology stack, and manage the marketing database. You monitor metrics and KPIs, document processes and SOPs, ensure compliance and brand consistency, and drive process automation and cross-functional alignment.

  • How much does an operations manager earn in the United States?

    On average, the annual salary for an operations manager in the United States ranges from $60,000 to $130,000, with the median salary falling around $88,000.

  • How does a business operations manager differ from an IT operations manager?

    As a business operations manager, you focus on financial management, human resources, information technology, and cross-department coordination. As an IT operations manager, you maintain network infrastructure and resolve system issues.

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