How to become a Business Operations Manager: Take your professional development to the next level with a free certification

How to become a Business Operations Manager: Take your professional development to the next level with a free certification

Operations management is a challenging and complex role that requires expertise in process optimization, budgeting, and team management. The pressure is on for Ops teams to ensure that everything runs seamlessly, but there are only so many hours in a day. Armed with smart strategies and a keen eye on key performance indicators, they lead the company towards success and growth.

So, what do Business Operations Managers do? Setting high performance standards, the ops offer unwavering support, ensuring each team member has the necessary tools to shine in their roles. Teamwork and collaboration lie at the heart of their approach, cultivating a positive and dynamic work environment. Always on the lookout for innovative solutions, Ops teams leverage data-driven insights to continually enhance processes and deliver exceptional outcomes.

Strategic planning is also a significant aspect of their responsibilities. Drawing on their expertise, Operations managers contribute to long-term business plans, keeping the company ahead of the curve. Ultimately, the Ops teams propel their organization’s smooth functioning, ensuring it realizes its full potential in every conceivable way. To streamline work, boost productivity, and create a better work-life balance, embracing document workflow automation is a must for Operations managers.

Recognizing this growing demand, the airSlate Academy offers a comprehensive – and completely free – certification program on Document Workflow Automation for Operations Managers.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how automation can help Business Operations Managers accelerate professional development, master the in-demand skills needed to keep up with trends in the industry, and maintain work-life balance.

Business Operations Manager salary in 2023

According to airSlate’s latest report, IT and Ops professionals are going through some tough times. They’re grappling with widespread layoffs, the looming threat of an imminent recession, the rise of shadow IT, and the ever-growing concern of cybersecurity risks. These challenges are undoubtedly putting their skills and expertise to the test. Check out the full IT and Ops report for details.

And yet, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecast for Operations managers looks a bit more optimistic — it is expected that employment opportunities for Business Operations managers will grow by 6.7% by 2031. This growth rate is on par with the national average for all occupations, highlighting the steady demand for skilled professionals in this field.

As of October 2023, Business Operations Managers are earning an average annual salary of $91,511 ($44/hour) nationwide, according to Zippia. Entry-level positions in operations qualify for up to $58,000 per year, while top management roles can fetch up to an impressive $144,000 per year. Glassdoor, on the other hand, suggests an average annual figure of $76,302.

Average Business Operations Manager salary is $91,511

At the top of the earnings chart, Senior Business Operations Managers are taking home an enviable compensation of $92,801 annually. These figures demonstrate the wide spectrum of opportunities and rewards that await professionals in the operations management field, making it a dynamic and promising career path to explore.

The business value of document workflow automation for Business Operations Managers 

Business Operations Managers are responsible for managing the vital processes in their organization. With the increasing complexity of these processes and the abundance of data and information to operate, it is very challenging to manage the work within the allocated hours of the day.

The key operational challenges for a Business Operations Manager encompass:

  1. Enhancing organizational efficiency and driving profitability.
  2. Crafting optimal procedures and leveraging appropriate tools to optimize business workflows.
  3. Prudent management of technical stack costs, especially when extensive reliance on external consultants and professional services is necessary.
  4. Adapting to swiftly evolving business demands and industry dynamics.
  5. Strategizing data integration across disparate software silos.
  6. Overseeing the replacement of legacy processes and outdated software that no longer align with the evolving business requirements.

Leveraging document workflow automation tools like airSlate can help Business Operations Managers like you optimize routine business processes, reduce errors, and reduce time spent on repetitive administrative tasks. Better yet, with airSlate, you can step towards the paperless office by eliminating back-and-forth paper pushing.

Business Operations Managers should consider automating these crucial tasks to improve efficiency:

  1. Data Entry and Management: Keep databases accurate by automating data entry, validation, and cleansing processes.
  2. Workflow Approval: Speed up decision-making by automating approval processes for tasks like purchase orders, expense reports, and leave requests.
  3. Financial Processes: Ensure accurate and timely financial transactions by automating invoice generation, payment processing, and expense reimbursements.
  4. Employee Onboarding and Offboarding: Enhance HR efficiency by automating onboarding for new employees and offboarding processes for departing team members.
  5. Internal Communication: Foster teamwork and productivity by automating internal communication tasks, including meeting scheduling, reminders, and updates.”

By embracing automation, you can achieve higher productivity levels, giving you free time to spend with your family or indulge in other activities you may enjoy.   

Automation skills you’ll obtain with the airSlate Academy

Sign up for the Document Workflow Automation for Operations Managers certification to learn the following automation skills:

  1. Business process automation. Proficiency in business process automation allows Operations managers to streamline operations, reduce manual intervention, and improve overall efficiency. Organizations can optimize resource allocation and achieve consistent results by automating repetitive tasks and standardizing processes. 
  2. Workflow optimization. Expertise in workflow optimization is crucial to identify bottlenecks, streamline processes, and maximize productivity. Operations managers with this skill set can analyze workflows, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategic changes to enhance efficiency.
  3. Business process efficiency. A strong focus on business process efficiency ensures that Operations managers continuously seek ways to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and improve operational performance.
  4. Onboarding. Operations managers who excel in onboarding can streamline the process, foster employee engagement, and quickly assimilate new team members into their roles. 

By mastering these important automation skills, Operations managers can drive operational excellence, optimize processes, and contribute to the overall success of their organizations. It needs mentioning that Business Operations Managers have a close working relationship with Chief Operating Officers (COOs) and VPs of Operations to ensure smooth communication, seamless coordination, and alignment of operational strategies with the company’s overall objectives.

As key players in the management team, Operations Managers team up with COOs to streamline processes, boost productivity, and achieve operational excellence across the organization. This reporting structure creates a strong bond that empowers both parties to make well-informed decisions and tackle challenges, leading to the company’s ultimate triumph and expansion.

Opportunities you’ll unlock by completing the airSlate Academy certification program

Here are just a few opportunities to unlock by completing the airSlate Academy certification program on Document Workflow Automation for Operations Managers:

  1. A potential salary raise. Learning valuable automation skills will position you as highly qualified for organizations, thus increasing your prospects for better compensation opportunities.
  2. Move up the management ladder. Automation skills will make you a stronger candidate for higher-level roles, allowing you to tackle more advanced responsibilities and deliver better value to your organization.
  3. Enjoy creativity and efficiency. Embracing automation opens doors for innovative thinking and lets you focus on strategic initiatives and problem-solving. You can unleash your creativity in shaping the future of your role and the organization.
  4. Achieve a healthier work-life balance. Leveraging automation allows you to harmonize your personal and professional lives, enhancing your overall well-being. Cherish precious moments with loved ones and pursue the activities that bring you joy, all while excelling in your role as an Operations manager.  

Embrace automation to live a happier life

Research suggests that workers feel happier and more satisfied when they have control and autonomy over completing tasks, the opportunity to learn new skills, and the flexibility to take breaks when needed. 

Automation technology can give Operations managers this autonomy and free time, leading to better work-life balance and, in turn, greater happiness. Acquiring automation skills that speed up your work and help you manage your workload increases your happiness by giving you more control and flexibility over how you work.

The airSlate Academy course provides a structured way of mastering these critical automation skills while offering certification, which can enhance your career prospects and increase your income.

Enroll in the airSlate Academy Certification program on Document Workflow Automation for Operations Managers and take control of your career while enjoying a more balanced and fulfilling professional and personal life.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between a business manager and an operations manager?

A business manager deals with high-level strategic planning, market analysis, and revenue generation, focusing on overarching organizational goals and long-term growth. In contrast, an operations manager concentrates on the day-to-day operations, internal processes, and immediate efficiency of the organization. They optimize procedures, manage resources, and ensure smooth workflow, translating the business strategies into practical, operational activities. While business managers shape the overall direction of the company, operations managers execute these strategies, making sure the organization runs efficiently on a daily basis. Both roles are vital for a company’s success, working collaboratively to achieve its objectives.

2. Is operations manager a high position?

Yes, the role of an operations manager is typically considered a mid to high-level position within an organization, depending on the company’s size and structure. Operations managers are responsible for critical day-to-day functions and often play a key role in ensuring the organization’s efficiency and success.

3. What is the highest salary for an Operations Manager?

The highest salary for an operations manager can vary significantly based on factors like industry, location, company size, and individual experience. In general, senior operations managers in large corporations or in high-demand industries can earn substantial salaries, often exceeding six figures and, in some cases, reaching well into the upper six figures or even seven figures for top executives. In 2023, top Business Operations management roles can fetch up to an impressive $144,000 per year.

4. How do I become a Business Operations Manager?

1. Obtain a degree in business administration or a related field, preferably at the bachelor’s level. Advanced degrees like an MBA can enhance your prospects.
2. Gain relevant work experience in roles such as operations coordinator or project manager to understand various aspects of business operations.
3. Hone skills in project management, strategic planning, leadership, communication, document workflow automation, and problem-solving. Stay updated with industry-relevant software and tools.
4. Consider certifications like Certified Operations Professional (COP), Project Management Professional (PMP) and Document Workflow Automation for Operations Managers to demonstrate your expertise.
5. Build a professional network, take on leadership roles in your current job, and demonstrate proactive problem-solving to showcase your suitability for Business Operations Manager positions.

5. Can an Operations Manager become a CEO?

Yes, an Operations Manager can become a CEO, although the path to the CEO role typically involves gaining a broader range of experience and skills. Many CEOs have backgrounds in operations management, as it provides a strong foundation in organizational efficiency and strategy implementation. To transition from an Operations Manager to a CEO, one should focus on developing leadership, strategic planning, financial acumen, and decision-making skills. Networking, continuous learning, and taking on roles with increasing responsibilities within the organization can also enhance the chances of becoming a CEO. Additionally, demonstrating a track record of successful leadership and innovative thinking can significantly contribute to advancing from an Operations Manager to the highest executive position in a company.