Operation manager job description

Your guide to finding and hiring the right person for your organization

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Job description

What does an operations manager do?

Operations managers are responsible for maintaining and increasing the efficiency of a business, government agency, or non-profit organization. These professionals are talented leaders who support operational leadership in a variety of departments — from finance and IT to human resources and accounts payable. It is their responsibility to supervise, hire, and train employees, manage quality assurance programs, and strategize process improvements, among other things. Operations manager jobs can be found in large and small organizations, across industries.

To find the most qualified candidate for this role, start with a good job description for an operations manager. You can use the template below and tailor it to your organization.

How to write an operations manager job description

Attracting the right candidates begins with an excellent job description. First, you’ll need to set clear expectations about the operations manager role. Create a specific list of duties, responsibilities, and qualifications, taking time to review and prioritize them. Make sure each element reflects the job accurately in clear, simple language.

You can also use the job description to introduce the culture and values of your organization. This will help candidates determine whether their ideals align with yours. Above all, be direct and concise.

Operations manager job description template

This sample job post will introduce your organization’s culture and values, while helping potential candidates understand how they’ll contribute from Day 1.

Sample operations manager job description

At [Company X], we owe our success to the efficiency of organizational processes. To help maintain and grow this standard, we’re seeking an experienced operations manager to oversee daily activities. The ideal candidate will have a sharp business mind and proven success in managing multiple departments for maximum productivity. This person will be highly skilled in human resources, finance, and IT management, and be able to develop and maintain an environment of trust, diversity, and inclusion within the operations team.

Objectives of this role

Maintain constant communication with managers, staff, and vendors to ensure proper operations of the company
Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance protocols
Increase the efficiency of existing processes and procedures to enhance the company’s internal capacity
Ensure that operational activities remain on time and within budget
Track staffing requirements, hiring new employees as needed
Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable departments

Responsibilities

Lead, motivate, and support a large team within a time-sensitive and demanding environment, including career development plans for direct reports and problem resolution
Manage data collection for the updating of metrics to achieve productivity targets, reduce cost per unit, eliminate errors, and deliver excellent customer service
Partner with cross-functional teams to improve proprietary tools and systems
Work closely with legal and safety departments to ensure that activities remain compliant
Oversee materials and inventory
Conduct budget reviews and report cost plans to upper management

Required skills and qualifications

Two or more years of proven success in an operations management role
Strong skills in budget development and oversight
Excellent ability to delegate responsibilities while maintaining organizational control of branch operations and customer service
Proficiency in conflict management and business negotiation processes
Knowledge of business productivity software and an aptitude for learning new applications

Preferred skills and qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in operations management, business administration, or related field
Working knowledge of management software programs, including NetSuite, QuickBooks, and CenterPoint Payroll
Strong IT skills, including database development
Multiple years of financial and account reporting experience
Ability to communicate in more than one language