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What Does an Operations Specialist Do?

Nick Mann
Nick Mann

An operations specialist is in charge of optimizing the overall functioning of a business and improving efficiency. These individuals are also responsible for managing a company's records and effectively storing information. While it's ideal to have a bachelor's degree in business or a related field, it's sometimes possible to obtain this position with only a high school diploma. While an operations specialist can work in numerous industries, the primary job duties are basically the same. Some of these duties include evaluating and improving how information is recorded, supervising administrative staff members, monitoring equipment maintenance, overseeing facility maintenance and ordering supplies.

One of the main responsibilities of an operations specialist is to evaluate and improve how information is recorded. For example, he might examine a company's paper filing system and look for inefficiencies. After identifying problem areas, he will usually brainstorm some potential improvement strategies and then implement those strategies. In the case of a paper filing system, he might suggest storing the information in an electronic database for easier retrieval and backup purposes. This aspect of the job requires someone with a creative mindset and innovative nature.

An operations specialist will be involved with interviewing, screening, and hiring new employees.
An operations specialist will be involved with interviewing, screening, and hiring new employees.

Another large part of this job revolves around supervising administrative staff members. In most cases, it's up to an operations specialist to interview, screen and hire applicants. Besides this, he is responsible for monitoring the performance of a company's administrative staff and evaluating worker performance. When an employee isn't performing job duties effectively, an operations specialist will often be the one to take disciplinary measures or fire the employee.

Along with this, an individual in this role might also monitor the maintenance of equipment within a facility. For example, if an operations specialist is working for a manufacturing plant, he would ensure that all the parts of the machinery are in proper working condition. When parts need replacement, he would be in charge of ordering them and monitoring the installation process.

Besides handling equipment maintenance, an operations specialist will usually oversee a facility's maintenance as well. This involves ensuring all work stations stay clean and free of clutter. It also entails periodically checking emergency tools like fire extinguishers to make sure they are in working order. Since he is responsible for the safety of workers, an operations specialist must be diligent in this area.

Additionally, an individual may also be responsible for ordering supplies. Generally, this includes monitoring inventory, placing orders with vendors and overseeing the distribution and storage of supplies. This aspect of the job calls for someone who is organized and skilled at math.

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    • An operations specialist will be involved with interviewing, screening, and hiring new employees.
      By: Rido
      An operations specialist will be involved with interviewing, screening, and hiring new employees.