Operation Manager Job Profile

Operation Managers may be employed in a wide variety of industries, with the exact responsibilities entailed by these jobs in operation depending on the industry or even the specific company where the operation manager is employed. One common element to all operation manager jobs is that this is generally a relatively senior level position, which involves great responsibility and an ability to see the big picture and handle a large number of details. Operation manager's jobs may crossover with the positions of logistics managers, project managers and other staff whose responsibilities are to ensure the smooth operation of company procedures � even compliance officers and operation manager's duties may coincide at times.

Typically, operation manager's jobs are in industries which produce goods on an industrial scale. For example, here is a list of requirements for operation jobs in one manufacturing firm, but these requirements are applicable more or less across the board.

1. Five years of applicable managerial experience in the industry (the requirement may be more or less depending on the company).
2. Computer skills – typically, a solid understanding of Microsoft Office and any specialized software commonly used in the industry will be required.
3. Communication skills – an obvious requirement, since operation managers' jobs require them to speak and engage in written communications with staff, vendors, and customers alike.
4. Operation jobs will need the candidate to have a track record of solid, successful experience in project and employee management skills.
5. Familiarity with industry standard practices and equipment.
6. Experience in procurement is usually required.
7. A track record of improving efficiency and production levels.
8. Problem solving and analytical skills.
   

These are skills which are applicable to operation manager jobs in general – since many jobs in operations are in the manufacturing sector, the responsibilities of an operations manager are largely those of ensuring increased efficiency in production and productivity. They will also work closely with the logistics team at the company to make certain timely procurement of needed materials and delivery to the company's customer base. Jobs for operation duties are not for those who lack experience in their field or have no taste for a challenging position with demands which change almost daily. There is a large problem-solving component to all operation jobs.



As for the job duties of an operations manager job, here is another sample – a list of duties performed by the operations manager in a manufacturing industry position.

• Successful management of production efficiency and adherence to quality control standards and procedures.
• Hands-on management of the production process to ensure that industry practices are employed and all safety standards are being followed.
• Serving in a supervisory capacity over the hiring and training of production workers to maintain compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards. The operation manager will also usually be responsible for deciding on the best staffing model and staffing levels for the department or departments for which they are in a supervisory position of (generally production).
• Successful development and implementation of policies and procedures for the department for which they bear responsibility.
• The compilation of analytical operations reports both for the use of the operations manager and senior executives within the company.
  

A career in operations management can be a great choice for those who have acquired a solid history of highly successful management experience in their industry and are looking to take the next step forward. There is great responsibility placed on the person in the role of operations manager, but the financial rewards are proportionally higher than for more junior level managers.

These demanding jobs are well suited to those who have an extraordinary skill of problem solving, analyzing and communicating. An operations manager's job involves elements of many different managerial disciplines, the mastery of which is necessary to be successful in performing the duties of the position. A high degree of attention to detail is a must, as is being able to decipher what details spell out for the big picture of the company's operational and production models in order to implement procedures which will lead to ever increasing efficiency, productivity levels and of course, a higher level of profitability for the company which employs them.

An operations manager is also typically responsible for the supervision and oversight of a large number of personnel, possibly spread across several departments, and must be able to deal with a wide variety of personality types and successfully motivate them as a team and to delegate tasks according to the duties and capabilities of those they supervise. An operations manager needs to be a leader as well as pay a keen attention to detail, to truly excel in their job; a candidate who has these qualifications is likely to be an exceptional candidate for an operations manager job.

If you have built up a strong track record of effective management and a thorough understanding of the relevant industry standards and practices in your field and want to make a step forward, perhaps you are ready for the challenges and rewards which await you in the capacity of operations manager.