What Does an Operations Support Manager Do?

The Operations Support Manager plays an integral role in ensuring that the day-to-day operations of a business run smoothly. This position involves overseeing various administrative and procedural tasks to maintain efficiency and facilitate the seamless execution of all projects and services. By coordinating between different departments, the Operations Support Manager ensures that the organization’s standards are met and that operational challenges are swiftly addressed. Their responsibilities include optimizing operational processes, implementing best practices, and providing consistent support to both the operations team and other departments. This role is essential for maintaining the infrastructure that allows a business to function effectively, ensuring that operational objectives are met with efficiency and professionalism.

Operations Support Manager Job Duties

• Oversee the daily operations of the support team, ensuring efficient and effective resolution of customer issues and inquiries.
• Develop and implement operational procedures and policies to improve the overall efficiency and productivity of the support team.
• Manage the operations support budget, including forecasting, allocation, and monitoring of financial resources to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Coordinate with other departments to facilitate seamless integration of support services across the organization.
• Analyze performance data to identify trends, anticipate potential issues, and implement proactive solutions to enhance service quality.
• Lead, mentor, and train operations support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with external vendors and service providers to ensure the organization receives high-quality and cost-effective support services.
• Implement and oversee the use of specialized software and technology tools to streamline operations support processes and enhance service delivery.

Operations Support Manager Salary & Outlook

Factors influencing the salary of an Operations Support Manager include industry experience, size and profitability of the company, complexity of operations managed, and the manager’s track record in improving operational efficiency and reducing costs. Specialized knowledge in technology or process improvement methodologies can also significantly impact compensation.

• Median Annual Salary: $86,625 ($41.65/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $142,000 ($68.27/hour)

The employment of operations support managers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

This growth is driven by the increasing complexity of business operations and the need for efficient process optimization, requiring skilled Operations Support Managers to oversee and improve organizational systems, manage change, and ensure operational excellence across diverse industries.

Operations Support Manager Job Requirements

Education: An Operations Support Manager typically holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. Coursework in project management, logistics, supply chain management, and organizational behavior is advantageous. Some individuals may enter the role with a High School Diploma, complemented by relevant courses, or a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate focusing on specialized operational skills. Pursuing education in analytics, leadership, and strategic planning further enhances a candidate’s qualifications for this position.

Experience: Operations Support Managers typically emerge from a background rich in hands-on experience within operational roles. Their journey often includes a blend of direct operational management, where they’ve honed skills in overseeing day-to-day activities, and strategic planning, ensuring they’re adept at aligning operations with broader organizational goals. On-the-job training plays a crucial role, complemented by formal training programs that cover leadership, process optimization, and technology use. Successful candidates usually have a track record of progressively responsible positions, demonstrating their ability to lead teams, manage projects, and improve operational efficiencies.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications and licenses are not typically required for the role of Operations Support Manager.

Operations Support Manager Skills

Supply Chain Optimization: Operations Support Managers streamline procurement, production, distribution, and fulfillment to enhance the supply chain’s efficiency. They focus on reducing costs while ensuring product quality and availability, employing a strategic approach to align demand forecasting with inventory management. Utilizing data analytics, they anticipate market shifts and adjust operations to maintain optimal performance.

Lean Management: By optimizing processes and resources, Operations Support Managers increase productivity and minimize waste. They apply continuous improvement practices to pinpoint inefficiencies and implement solutions, aiming for operational excellence and delivering value to customers.

Quality Control Systems: Rigorous testing and evaluation procedures are established and monitored by Operations Support Managers to ensure products meet required standards. Analyzing data from these processes helps in identifying trends, foreseeing potential issues, and taking corrective actions to uphold production and service delivery integrity.

Risk Management: Strategies are devised to mitigate potential threats, ensuring business processes run smoothly and sustainably. Operations Support Managers proactively tackle uncertainties to minimize operational disruptions, protecting the organization’s assets and reputation.

Inventory Forecasting: With accurate predictions of product demand and supply needs, Operations Support Managers maintain optimal inventory levels, avoiding overstock and stockouts. They analyze historical sales data, market trends, and seasonal fluctuations to ensure timely product availability, boosting operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Continuous Improvement Processes: Employing iterative methodologies, Operations Support Managers aim to enhance operational efficiencies and eliminate waste. They scrutinize current workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements, fostering sustainable growth and higher customer satisfaction.

Operations Support Manager Work Environment

An Operations Support Manager typically finds themselves in a dynamic office setting, where the layout is designed to foster both concentration and collaboration. The workspace is equipped with the latest technology, ensuring that all tools and software necessary for efficient workflow management are at their fingertips.

Work hours might extend beyond the traditional 9-to-5, depending on project demands, but there’s often flexibility to accommodate personal commitments. The dress code leans towards business casual, reflecting a balance between professionalism and comfort.

The culture within the team emphasizes open communication and mutual support, creating a positive social environment. Health and safety protocols are strictly adhered to, ensuring a secure workplace. Interaction with various departments is frequent, necessitating strong interpersonal skills.

Opportunities for professional development are abundant, with the company investing in training and courses to enhance skill sets. The pace of work is brisk, yet manageable, with an emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Advancement Prospects

An Operations Support Manager can ascend to higher managerial roles, such as Director of Operations or Vice President of Operations, by demonstrating exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. Advancement often requires a deep understanding of the company’s core processes and the ability to innovate and implement process improvements.

Gaining experience in cross-functional project management is crucial. This involves leading projects that span across different departments, showcasing the ability to manage diverse teams and complex operations. Success in such projects highlights a candidate’s readiness for higher leadership roles.

Specializing in a specific industry sector can also pave the way for advancement. Operations Support Managers who become experts in areas like logistics, supply chain management, or manufacturing within their industry are often considered for senior operational roles that require specialized knowledge.

To achieve these advancements, it’s essential to consistently deliver results that contribute to the company’s bottom line and to cultivate strong relationships with other leaders within the organization. This combination of results-driven performance and internal networking positions an Operations Support Manager for upward mobility.