Project Manager vs Operations Manager
As managers play important roles in every business organization, it is handy to know the difference between project manager and operations manager. Project manager is a person who is responsible for accomplishing the project goals within the scope, specified time frame and within the budget. The operations manager is a person who is responsible for managing the overall operational activities in the organization. This article analyzes the difference between project manager and operations manager.
Who is a Project Manager?
A project manager is a person who is responsible for managing the projects from the initial stage to the project closure. He/she is the person who directly interacts with the project sponsor and create the project goals and objectives for the team members to achieve at the end of the specified period.
In some organizations, project managers are appointed for each of the project and their duties and responsibilities may end after completing the project. The success of the project manager depends on his ability to fulfill the requirements of the project sponsor. He/she acts as an intermediary between the project sponsor and the project team members. Therefore, he needs to have good communication skills, coordination skills, leadership skills when dealing with team members with different competencies.
Who is an Operations Manager?
Operations manager is responsible for reducing the overall cost while maximizing the profits or returns in an organization. His responsibilities include planning the overall operational activities in the organization, improving the efficiency of operational systems, processes development and implementation of organizational strategies, policies and practices, etc. Further, he/she is interacting with the Board of Directors as well as the subordinates.
Operational managers play a crucial role in long-term planning which include initiatives geared towards operational excellence and also oversee all the financial management activities. They frequently review the current performances through pocket meetings and regular discussions in order to ensure the smooth flow of business operations in the organization. In order to effectively carry out these activities, an operations manager should have the strong coordination skills, problem-solving skills, negotiation skills, interpersonal communication skills, leadership skills, decision-making skills, etc.
What is the difference between Project Manager and Operations Manager?
• The project manager is responsible for completing the project within a specified budget, and the time frame. The duty of the operations manager is to reduce the overall cost while maximizing the profits or returns.
• The project manager is responsible only for the budget relating to a particular project that he/she is working on that time and the operational manager is responsible for the departmental budget.
• Project managers are appointed for a particular project within a certain period. However, operations manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of business operations within the organization. Comparatively, operations manager has more responsibilities than a project manager in the organization.
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