How many hats do you wear in your job? If your answer is one or two, take a look at how many hats operations managers wear in a day!

Working as an operations manager is a unique and versatile role that focuses on managing a variety of aspects in a company’s operations. It is all about performing multiple duties rather than focusing on one specific duty.

Here are some examples that show how diverse an operations manager’s duties might be:

1. Financial management

When it comes to keeping the company on track financially, operations managers play an important role in financial management. They are responsible for minimising costs by ensuring that resources are used in a cost-effective way. They also study sales reports and financial statements to find ways to save costs while improving efficiency.

2. Resource management

Managing resources includes managing both personnel and materials used within a company. When it comes to managing materials, operations managers are tasked with determining needs in relation to purchasing and supply. When it comes to personnel, they are responsible for overseeing the hiring of staff and staff development. This is an important aspect of the job, as both materials and personnel are crucial to the smooth running of the company.

3. Risk management

Another role that operations managers are responsible for is that of risk management. Here they are often required to liaise with legal counsel to address legal matters pertaining to things like partnerships with third parties, copyright matters, and licensing, to name a few. In the context of risk management, they are also responsible for handling things like insurance and ensuring that the company is protected from any possible risks.

4. Researching new and alternative methods for efficiency

Researching new and alternative methods for efficiency is an important function that has an impact on the profits of a business, and on the workforce. Operations mangers have to evaluate the current methods used and compare them to new and alternative ways of doing things so that they can keep improving efficiency, cutting costs, and ensuring quality service or products.

5. Communication

When it comes to communication, operations managers are at the centre of facilitating communication between departments, and therefore need to have excellent communication skills. At times, they may also assist with resolving disagreements, while at other times they assist with creating a positive culture among employees. They also often deal with top executives and external parties involved in the business. This requires them to be effective communicators.

While a lot of jobs involve specific functions, the role of an operations manager is a more versatile one. Operations managers wear many hats, and get involved with various aspects of the business. Their job allows them to work with finance, resources, risk management, and researching ways to improve efficiency while minimising costs. One important aspect of their job is communication. They have to be effective and excellent communicators, so as to ensure that all top executives and all employees at all levels are kept in the loop with the everyday running of the company.

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