What Is an Assistant Operations Manager?
An assistant operations manager fills in for the operations manager when needed and is responsible for maintaining business operations in the absence of the operations manager. They also assist the operations manager by giving constructive feedback to improve the operations of the business. Assistant operations managers oversee daily activities, such as staffing, scheduling, and customer relations. They audit and place orders for equipment or supplies needed by the business, as well as track and report on budget, costs, and income. They can also be responsible for supervision, training, and development of staff.
| Educational Requirements | Bachelor's degree preferred |
| Job Skills | Written and verbal communication, organization, customer service, operations management, financial management, Microsoft Office, leadership |
| Median Salary (January 2022)* | $53,414 |
| Job Outlook (2020-2030)** | 9% (for all Administrative Services Managers) |
Source: *PayScale.com; **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
A bachelor's degree is typically preferred for employment as an assistant operations manager, ideally in business management, operations management, or a related field. Some employers may consider equivalent work experience in administration, customer service, sales, or marketing. There are several professional certificate programs that offer certification related to operations management. The Association for Operations Management (APICS) offers the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) programs.
Required Skills
Assistant operations managers must be very organized and detail-oriented, as they will be responsible for managing the operation manager's event calendar, records, and reports. Strong communication skills are needed, as they must be able to correspond with potential and current clients, make suggestions that improve business revenue, and report orders from the operations manager to staff. Leadership skills are essential as well, when training employees is needed. Expertise in operations management, financial management, and Microsoft Office are generally favored by organizations.
Career Outlook and Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of all administrative services managers is estimated to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. Administrative tasks, including operations management, will continue to be important in many industries. PayScale.com reports that the median salary for assistant operations managers in January 2022 was $53,314.
Related Careers
Below are a few careers related to that of an assistant operations manager.
