Area Manager vs. Operations Manager: What Are the Differences?

In any company or organization, there are various levels of management. Two common positions are that of an area manager and an operations manager. Both of these positions are responsible for ensuring that company goals are met, but they have different areas of focus. In this article, we compare and contrast the job titles of area manager and operations manager.

What is an Area Manager?

Area Managers are responsible for overseeing the operations of a company’s stores or branches in a specific geographic region. They ensure that stores are staffed and stocked properly, that sales goals are met and that customers are satisfied. Area Managers also develop and implement marketing plans, train store managers and resolve conflicts. They report to the company’s Vice President of Operations and work closely with the store managers to ensure that they have the resources they need to meet their goals.

What is an Operations Manager?

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company or organization. They oversee the work of other managers and ensure that company goals are met in a efficient and effective manner. Operations Managers develop and implement processes and procedures to streamline operations. They also develop policies and procedures to ensure that employees are working safely and effectively. Additionally, Operations Managers monitor financial performance and develop strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Area Manager vs. Operations Manager

Here are the main differences between an area manager and an operations manager.

Job Duties

A retail or restaurant operations manager may oversee a specific department, such as the cashier station or kitchen. They’re responsible for ensuring each member of their team performs their duties efficiently and that customer needs are met. An operations managers’ job duties may include creating scheduling and staffing plans, training employees, conducting performance reviews and addressing customer complaints.

A site or area manager is typically in charge of an entire location, rather than a single department. They’re responsible for overseeing all aspects of the business, including sales, marketing, customer service, employee hiring and firing and budgeting. A site or area manager may also be responsible for hiring and supervising other managers.

Job Requirements

Operations managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or another related field. However, some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well. Additionally, many operations managers pursue certifications through professional organizations like the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) or the Project Management Institute (PMI). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use purchasing software and other tools they might need on the job.

Area managers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or another related field. However, some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well. Additionally, many area managers pursue certifications through professional organizations like the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use quality control tools and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Operations managers typically work in an office setting, but they may travel to different locations within their company’s territory. They also spend a lot of time on the phone and emailing with employees and clients.

Area managers often work outside of an office environment, traveling between multiple locations throughout their territories. They may also visit customers or vendors to ensure that products are being delivered correctly.

Skills

There are several similarities in the skills used by area managers and operations managers. Both roles require excellent communication skills, as they need to be able to interact with employees, customers and other stakeholders. They also both need to have strong organizational skills to manage their time effectively and keep track of multiple projects simultaneously. Additionally, both roles benefit from having analytical skills to be able to identify problems and develop solutions.

There are also some differences in the skills used by these two types of managers. Area managers typically need to have more developed people skills, as they often are responsible for managing teams of employees. They need to be able to motivate employees, resolve conflicts and provide feedback. Operations managers usually need to have stronger technical skills, as they often are responsible for overseeing the production process and ensuring that it runs smoothly. They may need to troubleshoot issues that arise and have a deep understanding of the machinery and equipment used in production.

Salary

The average salary for an area manager is $67,336 per year, while the average salary for an operations manager is $75,844 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the size of the company, the industry in which you work and the level of experience you have.