Regardless of the type of industry or organization the main purpose of
an operations manager, is to plan and direct operations and improve
productivity and efficiency. The methods and strategies used to
achieve this vary from company to company but there are general
basic duties and accountabilities associated with ensuring the smooth
operational procedures of the company.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
General Purpose
Operations managers plan, direct and coordinate the operations of an
organization. The general operations manager is responsible for
ensuring and improving the performance, productivity, efficiency and
profitability of departmental and organizational operations through the
provision of effective methods and strategies.
Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities
Coordination and Supervision - Coordinate, manage and monitor
the workings of various departments in the organization.
Financial - Review financial statements and data. Utilize financial
data to improve profitability. Prepare and control operational
budgets. Control inventory. Plan effective strategies for the
financial well being of the company.
Best Practices - Improve processes and policies in support of
organizational goals. Formulate and implement departmental
and organizational policies and procedures to maximize output.
Monitor adherence to rules, regulations and procedures.
Human Resources - Plan the use of human resources. Organize
recruitment and placement of required staff. Establish
organizational structures. Delegate tasks and accountabilities.
Establish work schedules. Supervise staff. Monitor and evaluate
performance.
Production - Coordinate and monitor the work of various
departments involved in production, warehousing, pricing and
distribution of goods. Monitor performance and implement
improvements. Ensure quality of products. Manage quality and
quantity of employee productivity. Manage maintenance of
equipment and machinery. Provide technical support where
necessary.
Communication - Monitor, manage and improve the efficiency of
support services such as IT, HR, Accounts and Finance. Facilitate
coordination and communication between support functions.
Sales, Marketing and Customer Service - Manage customer
support. Plan and support sales and marketing activities.
Strategic Input - Liaison with top management. Assist in the
development of strategic plans for operational activity.
Implement and manage operational plans.
Education and Experience
The formal education and experience for the operations manager job
description varies according to the nature of the job responsibilities.
However the following are commonly required in the operations
manager role.
College degree in business administration, commerce,
management, industrial technology or industrial engineering.
Certain schools offer bachelors and master's degrees in
operations management.
Industry relevant production experience
Knowledge and experience in organizational effectiveness and
operations management
Knowledge of business and management principles and practices
Knowledge of financial and accounting principles and practices
Knowledge of human resource principles and practices
Knowledge of project management principles and practices
Information technology skills
Key Competencies
critical thinking and problem solving skills
planning and organizing
decision-making
communication skills
persuasiveness
influencing and leading
delegation
team work
negotiation
conflict management
adaptability
stress tolerance
