Operations management is a term you might encounter in classified ads, newspapers, online articles and conversations with people in just about any industry. But what is it? What exactly does an operations manager do? Are operations managers in demand right now? How much do they get paid? Read on for the answers to these and other frequently asked questions about operations managers.
What Operations Managers Do
Operations managers are some of the highest-level executives in their organizations. They are most concerned with maximizing profitability for their businesses by focusing on streamlining all operations to create an efficient working environment. They might also work on managing cash flows to ensure that organizational expenses don’t exceed incoming revenues. Operations managers may also need to supervise and train other employees within their organizations.Read: 20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Operations or Project Management
Operations Managers in Finance
Operations managers working in the finance industry must keep abreast of the changes that federal and other government regulators mandate. They must also ensure that their organizations remain in compliance. In 2016, the majority of the best-paid operations managers were working in the finance industry:- Operations managers working for securities brokerages earned mean annual salaries of $204,870.
- Operations managers working for insurance funds earned mean annual salaries of $196,770.
Operations Managers in Healthcare
Operations management in healthcare requires an ever evolving skill set as the entire healthcare system changes to encompass new:- laws
- requirements
- technologies
Operations Managers in Manufacturing
In the manufacturing industry, operations managers are often held accountable for balancing the organization’s profitability with public perception of corporate responsibility. This is particularly important when it comes to social and environmental concerns. In 2016, operations managers working in manufacturing earned median annual salaries of $111,770.Operations Managers in Construction
Operations managers in the construction industry need a diverse mix of skills that can include experience with:- budgeting and creating work estimates
- project management
- a thorough understanding of construction operations
Operations Managers in the Retail Sector
Corporate retail managers must typically make strategic decisions for a group of retail store locations. This might be for all the stores in a particular region or state. Some operations managers are tasked with ensuring that all their organization’s stores in the region are staffed appropriately. For some, the job may entail making decisions about how to price inventory and when to liquidate it by lowering the selling price. Most operations managers devote considerable energy to:- analyzing sales data
- setting sales goals for subordinates
- motivating subordinates to meet their sales goals
- planning new ways to improve profitability