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

Operations specialists and operations managers are both responsible for the smooth running of a company. However, their roles and responsibilities differ in scope and focus. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two positions, and offer advice on which one may be a better fit for you.

What is an Operations Specialist?

Operations Specialists are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company or organization. They develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and compliance with regulations. Operations Specialists create and monitor budgets, and they track and analyze spending. They also develop and oversee quality control and safety programs. In larger organizations, Operations Specialists may oversee a team of employees. In smaller organizations, they may perform all operational tasks themselves.

What is an Operations Manager?

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company or organization. They plan, direct and coordinate the activities of employees to ensure that the work is completed efficiently and effectively. Operations Managers work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, retail and service organizations. They typically oversee a team of managers and may be responsible for budgeting, planning and goal setting. Operations Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering or a related field.

Operations Specialist vs. Operations Manager

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

Job Duties

Operations specialists and managers share some job duties, like creating and maintaining company policies. They may also both perform tasks like scheduling employees, delegating assignments and evaluating employee performance. However, operations managers have greater responsibility for managing the overall operations of their companies and departments. Operations specialists typically only manage specific processes or procedures.

For example, an operations specialist might create and implement a system for filing and retrieving documents. Their manager role might allow them to determine which documents need to be filed and where they’re stored. An operations manager might oversee the creation and implementation of multiple departmental policies. They might determine which departments need additional training in certain areas and delegate those trainings to the operations specialist on their team.

Job Requirements

Operations specialists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. Many operations specialists have degrees in business administration or management, but some may also have degrees in other areas like engineering or computer science. Additionally, many operations specialists pursue certifications through professional organizations like the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) or the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). These certifications can help professionals learn new skills and stay up-to-date on best practices in the field.

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. Additionally, many operations managers have experience working in an operations role before moving into a managerial position. Some operations managers also pursue certifications through professional organizations like the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Work Environment

Operations specialists and operations managers typically work in different environments. Operations specialists usually work in an office setting, where they may spend most of their time sitting at a desk or table. They also travel to various locations to observe the daily activities of employees and ensure that production is running smoothly.

Operations managers often work in more physically demanding environments, such as manufacturing facilities or warehouses. They may also travel frequently to visit multiple sites and monitor operations.

Skills

Operations specialists and operations managers share some skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking and multitasking. They also both need to be able to effectively communicate with other members of their team. However, there are some key differences in the skills that these two professionals use on a daily basis.

Operations specialists tend to focus on more technical skills, such as project management, process improvement and data analysis. They use these skills to streamline processes and improve efficiency within their department. Operations managers, on the other hand, focus on more strategic skills, such as resource allocation, budgeting and risk management. They use these skills to make decisions that will impact the overall direction of the company.

Salary

Operations specialists earn an average salary of $53,160 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 location of the job and the level of experience the employee has prior to taking the job.