Operations management is the execution of backend business functions like manufacturing, inventory, and quality control to ensure market-ready products and service. Whether it’s a single operations manager or a whole department, excellent operations management helps ensure business efficiency.
What is operations management?
Operations management is the administration of business structure, practices, and processes to enhance efficiency and maximize profit. It refers to the management of functions that a business needs to run effectively day-to-day, including:
- Overseeing multiple departments and providing goals
- Overseeing and streamlining processes
- Balancing revenue and costs
- Developing strategies
- Working on production and logistics
Why is operations management important?
Business operations underpin all that a business does, its performance, and whether it turns a profit. Poor business operations can threaten a business’s survival, so operations management must ensure that processes are efficient, the right staff are employed, equipment is fit for purpose, and the business’s physical locations are profitable, ethical, and safe. Strong operations management benefits the business as a whole.
Working in operations management
Working in operations management as an operations manager, purchasing manager, or similar is a leadership position. Individuals in such roles are responsible for overseeing multiple teams or departments, combining administrative and management responsibilities, and leading day-to-day operations within the business.
Common duties
Duties vary according to the nature of the company and the specific role, but in general, someone working in business operations is responsible for:
- Evaluating, designing, and implementing business processes
- Managing logistical processes and supply chain
- Overseeing production, distribution, and quality assurance
- Managing and analyzing financial budgets
- Making strategic decisions and engaging with other senior staff members on business strategy
- Supervising employees
- Supporting HR with recruitment initiatives
- Building relationships with stakeholders and suppliers
Skills
Working in operations management requires a variety of skills, including:
- Leadership ability
- Organizational skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Process improvement
- Project management
- Financial acumen
- Business acumen
- Detail-oriented approach
- Communication skills
- Decision-making ability
- Excellent time management