Operations Manager
Operations managers plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of organizations. Their duties and responsibilities are too diverse to be classified in any one area of management or administration.

Average Hourly Earnings
$55.57
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Tasks
- Oversee activities directly related to making products or providing services
- Direct and coordinate activities involved in making, pricing, selling, or distributing products
- Review financial, activity, sales and other data to decide where to reduce costs and improve programs
- Manage staff, preparing work schedules and assigning specific duties
- Direct and coordinate organization's financial activities to fund operations, maximize investments, and increase efficiency
- Establish and carry out departmental policies, goals, and procedures, collaborating with others as needed
- Determine job requirements, and take responsibility for interviewing, hiring, and training
- Plan and direct activities such as sales promotions, coordinating with other department heads as required
Work Environment
Operations managers work in both large and small settings. They usually work in offices and spend a large amount of time directly communicating with people by phone and in person. While they have a fair amount of freedom to make decisions, general managers also face the stress of intense pressure to succeed and of potential job loss if their decisions have negative results. A majority of general and operations managers report working more than 40 hours each week.
Key Traits
Enterprising. Usually requires starting up and carrying out projects. Often involves leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes requires risk taking and dealing with business.