What Is an Operations Assistant? - Job Description, Duties & Responsibilities

<p>An operations assistant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day functions of the company they work for. They collaborate with upper management to design strategies for guiding employees and processes so as to maximize company efficiency. The chart below provides insight into the requirements, income, and expected growth for an operations assistant. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree required</b></td><td> High school diploma required; bachelor's degree and relevant experience preferred</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key skills</b> </td><td> Strong organizational, communication, and administrative skills; industry knowledge and project management experience</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job growth 2020-2030</b></td><td> 6%* (for business operations specialists, all other)</td></tr> <tr><td>_Median Salary 2021<b /></td><td> $39,110**</td></tr> </table><p><b><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics **PayScale.com</i> </b></p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoOperationsAssistantsDo">What Do Operations Assistants Do?</h3> <p>Operations assistants work closely with higher level management to ensure that the activities of their organization are running efficiently. They assist with developing and implementing strategies and processes that maximize the productivity of the company's employees and daily business functions. This position can be found across a wide variety of fields and in a variety of settings, so the specific demands of any one position may vary. Typically, however, all operations assistants are responsible for providing administrative support, tracking business activity, delivering quality customer service, and collaborating effectively with upper management. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreKeySkillsThatAnOperationsAssistantShouldPossess">What are Key Skills that an Operations Assistant Should Possess?</h3> <p>Because an operations assistant is at the center of all business activity, it is important that they be highly organized with strong administrative skills. They work in close collaboration with upper management, so good communication skills are key. Experience with managing projects is valuable, as well as a knowledge and understanding of the industry in which their business is positioned. This will allow them to make decisions that will keep their organization running effectively and competitively. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatEducationDoINeedToBecomeAnOperationsAssistant">What Education Do I Need to Become an Operations Assistant?</h3> <p>Most organizations require only a high school diploma to consider an individual for the position of operations assistant, though a bachelor's degree is given preferential treatment and opens a door to more opportunities and higher salaries. In addition to a diploma and/or higher education degree, many employers will be more apt to consider candidates who have relevant industry experience. Because an operations assistant is responsible for overseeing the big picture, day to day functions of an organization, is it important for them to be knowledgeable of the industry so as to best position their organization within it. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMuchCanIMakeAsAnOperationsAssistant">How Much Can I Make as an Operations Assistant?</h3> <p>According to PayScale, Inc, the median annual wage for operations assistants is $39,110 as of November 2021. The top ten percent highest earning in this field are averaging $51,000. This income may increase depending upon the bonus and commission structures of particular organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth is expected to increase from 2020 to 2030 by 6% for all operations specialists, to include operations assistants. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSimilarJobsToAnOperationsAssistant">What are Similar Jobs to an Operations Assistant?</h3> <p>There are many positions that require a similar skill set as an operations assistant. These include administrative assistant, office manager, executive assistant, office coordinator, secretary, warehouse manager, and project coordinator, all of which are positions that rely on strong industry knowledge and effective organizational and communication skills.</p>