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

Operations coordinators and operations managers are both responsible for the smooth running of an organization. Though their roles share similarities, there are several key differences between them. In this article, we discuss the duties of an operations coordinator and an operations manager, and we explain the skills and experience you need to pursue each role.

What is an Operations Coordinator?

Operations Coordinators work in a variety of industries to support the day-to-day operations of their organization. They typically work in an office environment and report to the Operations Manager. Operations Coordinators develop and implement processes and procedures to streamline operations. They create and maintain schedules, track inventory, and coordinate the use of resources. They also monitor compliance with safety regulations and quality standards. In some cases, Operations Coordinators may also be responsible for training and supervising staff.

What is an Operations Manager?

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company or organization. They ensure that all employees are productive and efficient while following company policies and procedures. They develop and implement processes and systems to improve the overall operation of the company. Operations Managers also create and maintain budgets, track expenses and monitor financial performance. They often work closely with other managers to ensure that all departments are working together to meet company goals.

Operations Coordinator vs. Operations Manager

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

Job Duties

Operations coordinators typically manage lower-level tasks within a company, such as coordinating the shipping and receiving of materials and overseeing the maintenance of machinery. They also commonly handle scheduling and personnel management duties, like interviewing and hiring new employees or delegating work assignments to other staff members.

Operations managers oversee much larger responsibilities within a company, usually supervising high-level operations like strategic planning and decision making. They may also be responsible for ensuring that production goals are met each month and that their team is meeting deadlines. Operations managers may also help with employee training and development.

Job Requirements

Operations coordinators typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. Many operations coordinators have degrees in business administration or management, but some may also have degrees in other areas like communications or psychology. Additionally, many operations coordinators gain experience in customer service or another related field before moving into an operations coordinator role.

Operations managers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree as well, although some may have a master’s degree. Common majors for operations managers include business administration, management and engineering. Operations managers often start their careers in entry-level roles like project manager or supervisor before being promoted to an operations manager position.

Work Environment

Operations coordinators typically work in an office environment, but they may also travel to different locations. They often spend their days at a desk or table and communicate with other employees via phone calls, emails or text messages. Operations managers usually work in an office environment as well, but they may also visit the workplace regularly to ensure that operations are running smoothly.

Operations managers may spend more time on-site than operations coordinators because of this regular presence. This means that operations managers may be exposed to more hazards like dangerous machinery or chemicals.

Skills

Operations coordinators and operations managers share some skills, such as organization, multitasking and problem-solving. However, there are some key differences in the skills each position requires. Operations coordinators typically need excellent communication skills to interact with other departments within a company to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working together efficiently. They also need to have strong attention to detail to create accurate reports and schedules.

Operations managers usually need more advanced strategic planning and decision-making skills to make decisions about improvements or changes to a company’s operations. They also need to be able to motivate and lead teams of employees, so interpersonal and leadership skills are important. Additionally, they often oversee multiple projects at one time, so time management skills are crucial to ensure that everything is completed on schedule.

Salary

Operations coordinators earn an average salary of $55,558 per year, while operations managers earn an average salary of $75,844 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company, the industry in which they work and the level of experience they have.