Core Roles of an Operational Manager in an Organization

An operational manager plays a vital role in any establishment he found himself. This includes having a general oversight and bearing the responsibility for the things happening in the organization. He also ensures that effective method are put in place with regards to making products and providing services. Depending on the organizational structure, the exact nature of tasks that are classified under the operations function may differ from business to business. However, attention will be focused on the broad role of an operational manager as the activities are usually applicable to all types of operations. Outline in no particular order.

Understand organizational objectives

As an operational manager, your core duties includes handling of logistics, preparing budget, inventories and overseeing the welfare of every employees. You must clearly understand the goals of the organization and develop a clear vision of exactly how operations will help you to achieve them. Build a working environment that will encourage team play, strength and creativity. For this to be effective, you should have a strong organizational skills, leadership and efficient communication both in written and verbal. You must develop a problem solving mechanism, which involves translating these goals into implications for the operation's performance, objectives, quality, speed, dependability, flexibility and cost.

Operational strategy

As an operational manager, you have to perform the key role of checking the overall operational policy. Due to the numerous decision making processes involved with operations, it is important that you have a set of guidelines that is aligned with the organization’s policy or long term goals. For instance, you will determine the type of equipment needed, this includes determining the physical form, shape and composition of products, services and processes of Policy Formulation

Formulation of policy

The importance of this aspect can’t be overemphasized. Formulating of policy is essential because organizations must operate and function on the basis of guidelines. Often, it is the duty of operations manager to formulate policy. This includes disciplinary action that should be taken in event of discrepancy by any employee or how each department is expected to function for an effective smooth running of the firm.

Logistics and Budget

It’s your obligation to ensure that all equipment and machinery are in proper shape for availability and production of goods and services for your client at an acceptable standard. At this point, ensure you coordinate with the managers of respective departments. Part of your responsibility is to interact with employee and prepare reports on the current position of things. This includes budget from finance. As an operational manager, you play a key role on this aspect. Controlling cost and keeping a track record of the expenses should be your priority. Ensure that quality equipment are procured as budgeted. Ensure that the standard of goods meet the acceptable rate to generate positive outlook to all and sundry.

Goal Getter

Here you are expected to set goals and objectives that will promote operation's products, services and processes. This involves designing, planning and controlling. Decide on what the operations resources should be doing and make sure that it is done. This helps to establish procedure and effect it.

Performance of operation

While you may not be a specialist in all fields of production, you are expected to perform well in each of the role. The most challenging aspect of your role, coupled with the multiple task is the expectation and fulfillment in various tasks. As an operations manager, you are expected to continually monitor and improve in the overall performance of the operations. Raw material and personnel, purchasing and supply is also a part of your core job.

Communication skill

This an essential part of your role. Without good communication, you will not flourish in this work. Good communication will enable you to facilitate contact between the employee and other departmental heads. In times of disputes or disagreement, you are expected to play and maintain a balance view in decision making. Good judgment is the key word. With regards to skill, a high level of interpersonal skill is what you need to exhibit to help develop every part of the organization. You must be able to multitask, be innovative, and be cordial and professional. Above all, your ability to use the computer applications effectively is a must.

Education

This is a prerequisite to becoming a successful operational manager, you need a degree. That you have a university degree should not make you confident. Explore the opportunities that come your way to improve yourself. Attend seminars, read updated internet materials, be current. Learning and knowledge acquisition should not be limited for you.

Share on Google Plus Share on Linked in

Attend The EPIC BLOGGING Seminar (Jan 29th - 30th, 2016)

Do you want to learn how to blog professinally like me and earn real money, I mean millions of naira every month? Then start making arrangement to attend my 2days EPIC BLOGGING Seminar taking place in Lagos on January 29th and 30th 2016. You've never seen anything like this before and believe me, you'll miss the whole world if you miss it >>> CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS Follow @DarlintonOmeh