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Operations Manager |
Career OverviewThe operations manager works with all aspects of the day-to-day functioning of the hospital or healthcare facility to ensure that services and staff are working in the best interests of the facility. This means that the operations manager may oversee staffing requirements and scheduling, may work with the various departments from environmental services through to the clinical management team to oversee the big picture of the operation of the facility.
An operations manager must be very focused on each aspect of the operation and services of the hospital or healthcare facility. Since he or she cannot do this by his or herself they must work closely with a team of managers and directors to address any problems or concerns as they arise. The operations manager should have a good understanding of the issues that each department may have and how difficulties impact the whole hospital or healthcare facility, not just the one department.
Operations managers must have creative problem solving abilities as well as excellent communication skills. They should be able to work with medical staff as well as non-medical staff, outside vendors and contracts, and consultants employed by the facility. The operations manager should know and understand the hospitals short and long-term growth and development plans and work closely with the financial and planning teams.
Multitasking and facilitating of multiple issues is important for the operations manager. Negotiation skills and conflict resolution skills are also important for the operations manager to understand and use when appropriate.
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Career RequirementsMany operations managers work up through the various levels of management to reach the operations manager position. Others are hired in from outside with a Bachelors or Masters level education in business management, hospital or healthcare management or administration or a major in a related field.
Most operations managers have some management or facilities management background and some have engineering or technology degrees with minor in business management or healthcare fields. Usually five to ten years experience working in a hospital or healthcare facility is required prior to becoming an operations manager.
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Job OutlookThe demand for operations managers is estimated to continue to grow at a slightly higher than average rate. This trend, according to the United States Department of Labor, is expected to continue until the year 2014. Openings in new hospitals or healthcare facilities will create more of a demand as these facilities will try to recruit existing operations managers leaving vacancies when they transfer.
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Career TrackSince operations managers are familiar with most aspects of hospitals or healthcare facilities they are often promoted to senior management positions including hospital administrators and chief executive officers, provided they have the appropriate level of education.
Some operations managers move into their own businesses offering consulting services, training packages and even troubleshooting and efficiency insight to help hospitals or healthcare facilities that may be having difficulties or problems.
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CompensationOperations managers earn between $70,000 and $100,000 per year depending on the size of the hospital or healthcare facility and their own years of experience. Some operations managers for large healthcare companies may earn in excess of $200,000 and may also receive bonuses per year that significantly adds to the yearly average.
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