Operations managers organize, plan, and direct the high level workings of corporations and other private or public organizations. The responsibilities and duties include managing day-to-day operations, formulating policies, and implementing the use of physical assets and human resources. These resources are often too general and diverse in nature to be easily categorized into any other specific area of administrative duties. This may include overseeing production, purchasing of capital equipment, hiring personnel, and other administrative services. In smaller companies, the duties of an operations manager may coincide with those of CEOs and other high level corporate officers or managers.
Most operations management positions require or strongly prefer candidates with a degree in operations management or a related field. Jump start your career by requesting free information today from the schools below:
BA/Operations Management and Analysis by Ashford University
Bachelor in Business Administration – Operations Management by DeVry University
MBA – Global Operations and Supply Chain Management by Capella University
Generally, operations managers with many years of experience become candidates to advance to higher corporate positions. There is also a strong requirement for good interpersonal skills and keeping up to date with the latest computer or technology trends.
Operations Manager Job Responsibilities
Operations Managers are responsible for managing other organizational functions that directly contribute the the product or service provided by the company. They may need to work with a team of managers or supervisors who report directly to them in order to facilitate the coordinated efforts of different departments.
Operations Managers must also typically report to executive positions such as CEOs, CIOs, CFOs, and the Board of Directors. In larger organizations, operations managers may report to general managers of various facilities or sub-groups of the company who then report to higher level executives.
To facilitate smooth operations within the company, operations managers may be required to create and/or implement policies and procedures. These policies ensure a smooth flow of operations in order to keep the company maintaining a high quality and quantity of production of the organization’s product or service. Operations managers are chosen for this responsibility because of their direct knowledge of day-to-day activities combined with their understanding of the company’s managerial goals.Operations Manager Training and Education Requirements
Because of the many diverse industries and organizations requiring the employment of operations managers, there is typically not a standard course of preparation for this job. Most operations managers have at least a college degree, however. Experience also plays a significant role in the qualifications for an operations manager.
Many operations managers have a college degree in business administration, management, industrial production, or other similar degrees which lend themselves to a combination of business and operational skills. Many operations managers go on to earn a post graduate degree in a business-related function such as human resources, accounting, manufacturing, or another degree related to the industry they work in. Those who enter the position from college or graduate school may need to undergo exposure in the company’s training program in order to become familiar with the operations and business functions of the company.
More and more, companies place a greater level of importance on interpersonal and communication skills. That’s because the position often requires the operations manager to persuade, negotiate, and compromise. The ability to work well with others must be a skill that’s well rounded. Another skill often needed is the ability to use most standard office computer programs such as word processors, spreadsheets, or databases.
Operations Manager Salary and Wages
Typical salaries for operations managers range between $44,000 and $81,000. Bonuses may be paid based on performance. Those bonuses generally range from $2,000 to $14,000 based on the level of responsibility and the financial status of the company. Profit sharing may be another component where operations managers earn additional income. The salary tends to increase with the number of years of experience, and operations managers tend to have a wide range of experience levels. However, slightly more operations managers have an experience level in the 10 to 19-year range. Most positions include a significant benefits package that may include medical, dental, retirement plan, and other top-level benefits.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Operations Manager Certifications
There is no one single certification for operations managers. However, there are a few certifications that can significantly catch the eye of most employers. One of these is a certification of Project Management Professional (PMP) offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Another certification is called CPIM or Certified in Production and Inventory Management. Yet one more common designation is CSCP or Certified Supply Chain Professional. CPIM and CSCP are commonly found in companies providing industrial production or distribution. Other certifications may include post professional training in various people or computer skills. Those organizations in technology sectors may require operations managers to engage in ongoing training to keep abreast of the latest technological developments in their industry.
Operations Manager Professional Associations
The primary association is known as The Association for Operations Management. The term APICS is used by the organization and it stands for Advanced Productivity, Innovation, and Competitive Success. With more than a 25-year history, APICS has taken a front role in operations management with now more than 70,000 members worldwide. APICS offers training and networking opportunities for those in both operations and supply chain management. In addition to conferences, APICS provides online training in order to suit the needs of most busy operations managers. Additionally, APICS is the organization that provides training and certification for the CPIM and CSCP designations mentioned in the section above.
Showing posts with label Operations Manager. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Operations Manager. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Operations Manager Job Description & Career Opportunities
Every company needs someone to manage their day-to-day operations. To ensure the company is constantly mitigating its cost structure, the operations manager is relied upon to manage a company’s fixed and variable costs. Whether it’s aligning company wide goals and objectives to internal resources, eliminating redundant work processes and procedures, streamlining reporting structures, reviewing departmental and program budgets, or even just enacting plans to reduce overall business costs, there seems to be no end to an operation manager’s responsibilities.
Most operations manager jobs require a college degree in operations management, logistics, or a related field. Check out the programs below which offer free information:
Associate of Science in Logistics & Distribution Management by Sullivan University
Bachelor of Science in Operations Management by University of Phoenix
MBA – Operations Management by The University of Scranton
This position requires someone with the ability to multi-task, lead multiple cross-functional project teams, all the while controlling costs and improving service. It’s a tall order and with it comes a lot of responsibilities. However, because operation managers are strong leaders and have a long list of responsibilities, they are often well compensated. In addition, they enjoy a position not typically afforded to other employees. They are able to parlay their experiences across multiple spectrums and use them to further their careers. As such, they have solid career advancement opportunities within organizations and can make both upward and lateral movements.
Operations Manager Job Responsibilities
Operations managers are most often called upon to improve operational effectiveness by streamlining business work processes, procedures and improving information transfer between internal departments. They are active participants in helping internal departments work more efficiently. They help to facilitate company wide goals by taking part in strategic planning initiatives and aligning strategies with internal resources. They play a pivotal role in cost based management practices and take an active role in the financial management of the company by overseeing and developing annual budgets in conjunction with department heads. They often work side by side with finance to ensure that budgets are maintained and adhered to.
Operations managers are tasked with being the ultimate liaison between internal departments. They must provide a working environment that allows all employees to reach their full potential. As such, they are often involved in conflict resolution between employees and between internal departments. They must also take part in hiring new employees and providing them with a clear and concise career path within the organization. A large part of their responsibilities includes inventory & supply chain management, as well as managing a company’s logistics requirements. It’s this last portion of their job that is often viewed as the most important. The ability to reduce production costs while lowering the cost of inventory, all the while delivering the product to customers in a cost efficient manner, can be viewed as their greatest contribution.
Operations Manager Training and Education Requirements
Because so much of an operation manager’s responsibilities encompass a wide variety of business functions, their education and training requirements have become more specialized over time. Initially a bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting was all that was required. However, over time and in response to the position’s special requirements, degrees are now specifically designed for operations management. Courses cover human resources, management, accounting & finance, inventory management, as well as logistics and supply chain management. These courses are intended to give the applicant the full range of education needed to excel at the position. For those interested in furthering their education, Universities are now offering MBA’s (Master in Business Administration) in Operations Management.
Operations Manager Salary and Wages
Operations managers are well compensated for their work. Since so much of their responsibilities encompass managing the company’s entire internal structure, they are among the highest paid employees within companies. The position also affords them an opportunity to advance to higher level positions and helps to facilitate lateral movements within organizations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 50% of operations managers earn an average salary of $44.55 an hour or $92,650.00 a year. The top 75% earn $66.81 an hour or $138,000.00 a year. However, in the biggest companies, where operation managers oversee a corporation’s entire operations in multiple countries and locations, it’s not uncommon for them to earn well over $250,000.00 annually.
Operations Manager Certifications
The most common certifications for operations managers include CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management), CIRM (Certified in Integrated Resource Management) as well as CFPIM (Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management). Each of these certifications include courses that help to improve a manager’s abilities to reduce inventory costs, improve logistics, better manage production and streamline a company’s supply chain. They provide the tools managers need to improve inventory forecasting, budgeting, increase inventory turnover rates, as well as provide the training needed to reduce business operating expenses. Most importantly, these certifications are internationally recognized among employers as the most intense training courses available in operations management.
Operations Manager Professional Associations
The most recognized professional association for this position is APICS, which
is simply the American Productivity and Inventory Control Society. It has become more commonly referred to as simply “The Association for Operations Management”. Members enjoy newsletters and up to date information on new and improved training manuals and books. They are also able to purchase these manuals at reduced prices. In fact, APICS provides the testing and certification for CPIM, CIRM, CRPIM and many other certifications for operations managers.
Most operations manager jobs require a college degree in operations management, logistics, or a related field. Check out the programs below which offer free information:
Associate of Science in Logistics & Distribution Management by Sullivan University
Bachelor of Science in Operations Management by University of Phoenix
MBA – Operations Management by The University of Scranton
This position requires someone with the ability to multi-task, lead multiple cross-functional project teams, all the while controlling costs and improving service. It’s a tall order and with it comes a lot of responsibilities. However, because operation managers are strong leaders and have a long list of responsibilities, they are often well compensated. In addition, they enjoy a position not typically afforded to other employees. They are able to parlay their experiences across multiple spectrums and use them to further their careers. As such, they have solid career advancement opportunities within organizations and can make both upward and lateral movements.
Operations Manager Job Responsibilities
Operations managers are most often called upon to improve operational effectiveness by streamlining business work processes, procedures and improving information transfer between internal departments. They are active participants in helping internal departments work more efficiently. They help to facilitate company wide goals by taking part in strategic planning initiatives and aligning strategies with internal resources. They play a pivotal role in cost based management practices and take an active role in the financial management of the company by overseeing and developing annual budgets in conjunction with department heads. They often work side by side with finance to ensure that budgets are maintained and adhered to.
Operations managers are tasked with being the ultimate liaison between internal departments. They must provide a working environment that allows all employees to reach their full potential. As such, they are often involved in conflict resolution between employees and between internal departments. They must also take part in hiring new employees and providing them with a clear and concise career path within the organization. A large part of their responsibilities includes inventory & supply chain management, as well as managing a company’s logistics requirements. It’s this last portion of their job that is often viewed as the most important. The ability to reduce production costs while lowering the cost of inventory, all the while delivering the product to customers in a cost efficient manner, can be viewed as their greatest contribution.
Operations Manager Training and Education Requirements
Because so much of an operation manager’s responsibilities encompass a wide variety of business functions, their education and training requirements have become more specialized over time. Initially a bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting was all that was required. However, over time and in response to the position’s special requirements, degrees are now specifically designed for operations management. Courses cover human resources, management, accounting & finance, inventory management, as well as logistics and supply chain management. These courses are intended to give the applicant the full range of education needed to excel at the position. For those interested in furthering their education, Universities are now offering MBA’s (Master in Business Administration) in Operations Management.
Operations Manager Salary and Wages
Operations managers are well compensated for their work. Since so much of their responsibilities encompass managing the company’s entire internal structure, they are among the highest paid employees within companies. The position also affords them an opportunity to advance to higher level positions and helps to facilitate lateral movements within organizations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 50% of operations managers earn an average salary of $44.55 an hour or $92,650.00 a year. The top 75% earn $66.81 an hour or $138,000.00 a year. However, in the biggest companies, where operation managers oversee a corporation’s entire operations in multiple countries and locations, it’s not uncommon for them to earn well over $250,000.00 annually.
Operations Manager Certifications
The most common certifications for operations managers include CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management), CIRM (Certified in Integrated Resource Management) as well as CFPIM (Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management). Each of these certifications include courses that help to improve a manager’s abilities to reduce inventory costs, improve logistics, better manage production and streamline a company’s supply chain. They provide the tools managers need to improve inventory forecasting, budgeting, increase inventory turnover rates, as well as provide the training needed to reduce business operating expenses. Most importantly, these certifications are internationally recognized among employers as the most intense training courses available in operations management.
Operations Manager Professional Associations
The most recognized professional association for this position is APICS, which
is simply the American Productivity and Inventory Control Society. It has become more commonly referred to as simply “The Association for Operations Management”. Members enjoy newsletters and up to date information on new and improved training manuals and books. They are also able to purchase these manuals at reduced prices. In fact, APICS provides the testing and certification for CPIM, CIRM, CRPIM and many other certifications for operations managers.
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