The operations manager acts as liaison between the production and distribution departments and the executives. They are in charge of supervising, motivating and supplying the two departments in order to achieve the 3 PS: productivity, performance and profitability. The actual operations manager job description varies according to the field in which the company activates. However, there are a number of features and criteria which every applicant must know before deciding this is the right job for them. We have grouped them in one general job description for a better insight in this job.
Short operations manager job description
The operations manager is responsible with production co-ordination, budget management during production, implementation of new systems which will increase the product quality and quantity and employee monitoring in order to insure their efficiency is at the maximum level. A complex position, the operations manager must be reliable, organized, capable of multitasking and highly knowledgeable in the field in which the company activates. Given the above, the operation manager job description is usually rather demanding, so that a proper filtration is ensured from the first stages of the recruiting process.
Tasks and responsibilities
The duties associated with the operations manager vary in accordance with the industry/sector in which the company activates. However, there are a number of requirements which can be found on the list of most employers. We have made a selection of these criteria and present you a comprehensive assortment of duties inscribed in the general operations manager job description. They will give you further insight into what the position requires. Therefore, an operation manager will:
• Supervise the production process in order to ensure the quality and quantity are respected and that the employees have enough time to complete the set number of products;
• Ensure proper work conditions for all employees and makes sure safety regulations are followed carefully;
• Make estimations for the annual budget necessary on the operations department and manages the budget so as to obtain the best results for the company;
• Prepare reports about budget, fill documents on different production-related issues and present them to the executives for review;
• Co-ordinates activity in warehouses sets prices and gets involved in the distribution process;
• Supervises and motivates employees in order to obtain maximum performance in a set timeframe;
• Ensures the number of employees in the Operations teams is sufficient and hires new employees when necessary;
• Initiate and perform training sessions when implementing new strategies, software or production machines;
• Discuss with clients about different features of the company’s products/services, ask for feedback and analyze the customer reviews;
• Ensure customer satisfaction through all means available;
• Informs the CEO about the monthly activity and financial status so that future strategies can be developed accordingly;
• Works with the management staff in developing the best strategies to improve productivity, lessen the cost and increase the company’s profit.
Schedule
The operations manager’s schedule varies in accordance with the company’s specific. 40 to 50 hours per week are usually specified in the operations manager job description in order to cover all the tasks and requirements. Work on weekends and legal holidays may also be necessary if the production line is in function or if the company provides services during these periods.
Education and experience
The education required for such a position is also varied, changing with the company’s specific. The bachelor’s degree is necessary for a job as an operations manager. The degree can be in operations management (there are some universities which have courses in this direction) or in financial management. Diplomas in the field in which the company activates are also taken into consideration. Master’s degree is considered a plus and will be considered for the job. Experience on a similar position is preferable.
Skills and personal features
The ideal candidate for the operations manager must be capable of handling problems quickly and efficiently, solve issues in a benefice manner for all parties involved and have great negotiation skills, useful in relation with clients as well as with colleagues, subordinates and partners.
Good communication skills are also essential when applying for such a position. Since the operations manager will act as liaison between the production department and other departments in the company, they need to provide proper abilities in both oral and written communication. Last, but not least, the operations manager job descriptions specifies the need for good organizational skills, analytic mind and the ability to prioritize the workflow so that all specific goals will be fulfilled in the specified time-frame.