Hiring Guides
Operations Manager
Specific duties of an Operations Manager can vary from business to business — along with factors like company culture, work environment, and team dynamics — it’s vital to tailor any template-based description to your company’s needs and expectations.
Hiring Guide: Operations Manager
Operations Manager interview templates
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Why you should hire an Operations Manager
Operations Managers plan, coordinate, and direct an organization’s operations to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. They often also oversee high-level HR functions for organizations that do not have an HR team. They benefit companies by ensuring operations strategies line with strategic goals and that businesses remain compliant, efficient, and profitable.
In this hiring guide, we'll provide everything you need to hire a great Operations Manager.
Top skills for Operations Managers
Process Planning and Improvement
Project and Resource Management
Human Resources
Management and Leadership
Sample Operations Manager job description
Operations Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the daily functions of an organization. Their primary goal is to maintain and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization to assist it in achieving its core business objectives. Their responsibilities vary depending on the organization but typically include developing or improving process strategies, managing quality assurance programs, procuring material or resources, and ensuring the organization remains legally compliant. In some organizations, they might also perform Human Resources functions (e.g., hiring, training, monitoring performance) or Finance functions (e.g., budgeting, forecasting, improving profit margins). To accomplish these variety of different tasks effectively, operations managers need to exhibit high leadership, management, and organizational competencies.
Sample interview questions for Operations Managers
Question 1
Tell me about a business/HR change you managed that you are most proud of. Why was the change effective, and how did you measure its success?
What does this reveal?
Candidate has the ability to design and implement strategic improvements that help achieve business success.
Answer tips
- Describes the business context and the change that was implemented
- Explains their specific role/involvement in managing the change
- Describes the data and metrics used to measure progress and success
- Shares evidence to justify the impact the change on business efficiency
- Elaborates on lessons learned and key takeaways
Question 2
Imagine you are introducing the team to a new [insert process/tool/system], but some team members are resistant to the change. What would you do?
What does this question reveal?
Candidate has the ability to gain support and engage others when implementing change management initiatives
Answer tips
- Discusses the main principles and challenges associated with managing change
- Identifies and understands the root cause of others’ reluctance to change
- Clearly communicates the reason for change and promotes transparency
- Justifies change with evidence and emphasizes advantages to individual employees
- Communicates collective benefits of the change for the team and business
