Operations Manager Job Description: Qualifications and Responsibilities

How to Write an Operations Manager Job Description

Operations Managers often work behind the scenes, but they’re the ones making sure things run without a hitch. When hiring for this role, it helps to be upfront about what success looks like and the kinds of problems this person will be expected to handle. A good job description should be clear, grounded, and tailored to the way your team operates day to day.

What is an Operations Manager / What does an Operations Manager do?

Operations Managers make sure teams stay on track and systems don’t fall behind. This role touches a lot of areas—some days it’s about fixing a process that’s slowing things down, other times it’s checking in with teams, reviewing budgets, or finding better ways to manage vendors. What exactly they oversee can vary depending on the business, but the goal is always the same: keep things moving and make them better.

The importance of a good Operations Manager Job Description

When a job description is clear and grounded in real expectations, it’s easier for the right people to find it—and easier for you to know who’s a good match. It saves time, avoids confusion, and can lead to stronger hires down the road.

Operations Manager Job Description Template

About the role and the team:

We’re looking for an Operations Manager to oversee business functions and make sure everything runs smoothly across teams. This role involves building and improving systems, tracking key metrics, and working closely with department leads to align goals and timelines.

Education & Training

• Required education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a similar field
  
• Preferred education: MBA or certifications such as PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or APICS
  

What your day-to-day might look like:

• Supervise daily operations to keep work on track
  
• Develop procedures to improve team workflows and reduce delays
  
• Work with department heads on staffing, performance, and planning
  
• Monitor costs, budget progress, and supply chain performance
  
• Identify and address bottlenecks using data and reporting tools
  

Skills Requirement

• Technical skills: Familiarity with ERP systems, performance dashboards, and budgeting tools
  
• Soft skills: Good leadership instincts, the ability to communicate across departments, and solid problem-solving under pressure
  
• Preferred (not required): Experience working in fast-moving environments or driving operational change
  

Operations Manager Salary & Benefits

In the U.S., Operations Managers typically earn between $85,000 and $115,000 annually. Many employers also offer:

• Health and dental coverage
  
• Retirement plans with matching contributions
  
• Paid vacation and flexible schedules
  
• Performance bonuses or annual incentives
  
• Support for ongoing training or certifications
  

Tailoring your Operations Manager Job Description

Role types may include:

• Logistics Operations Manager: Focuses on supply chain and shipping
  
• Retail Operations Manager: Oversees store performance and inventory
  
• Manufacturing Operations Manager: Handles production output and quality control
  
• Corporate Operations Manager: Works with cross-functional teams to meet strategic goals
  

Adjusting for experience level:

• Entry-Level (2–3 years): Look for strong organizational skills and some supervisory experience
  
• Mid-Level (4–7 years): Comfortable owning projects and managing team performance
  
• Senior (8+ years): Leads cross-department efforts, shapes business strategy, and manages budgets at scale
  

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