An operations manager resume has to prove you make systems run better — faster processes, lower costs, fewer errors, and teams that stay coordinated under pressure. Hiring managers scan for the metrics you moved and the scope you owned, then check whether you can lead people through change. This example shows how to quantify operational improvements, frame team leadership credibly, and keep the resume tight enough for executives to skim.
Sample resume
Derek Hollis
Operations Manager · Process Improvement & Team Leadership
Columbus, OH
Professional summary
Operations manager with 8 years improving throughput, cost, and service reliability across distribution and service teams. Known for standardizing messy processes and coaching supervisors through change.
Experience
Operations Manager
Jul 2019 – Present
Buckeye Logistics · Columbus, OH
- Led a 40-person operation across two shifts, improving on-time fulfillment from 88% to 97% in 18 months.
- Standardized handoffs and SOPs that cut order errors by 22% and reduced overtime spend.
- Built a weekly KPI review that surfaced bottlenecks earlier and drove faster corrective action.
Operations Supervisor
Jul 2015 – Jun 2019
Midwest Fulfillment Group · Columbus, OH
- Supervised a 15-person team, coaching new leads and improving shift-level productivity.
- Rolled out a cycle-count process that improved inventory accuracy above 99%.
Education
- BS, Business Operations Management — Ohio State UniversitySep 2011 – Jun 2015
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt — ASQJan 2018 – Jun 2018
Skills
Sample resume summary
Operations manager focused on process improvement, team coordination, cost control, and service reliability.
Achievement bullet examples
- Improved daily workflows by standardizing handoffs, checklists, and reporting cadences.
- Tracked operational metrics to identify delays, errors, and capacity gaps.
- Coached teams through process changes and service quality improvements.
Skills to highlight
ATS keywords
How to write this resume
Quantify the operation you ran
Team size, shifts, throughput, budget — scope tells the reader the level of the role. "Led a 40-person operation across two shifts" instantly frames your seniority.
Show the metric you moved
Operations is measured in numbers: on-time rate, error rate, cost, cycle time. Pair each improvement with a before/after or a percentage to make it believable.
Balance systems with people
Employers want a manager who improves processes and leads teams through change. Include coaching, SOP rollout, and how you drove adoption, not just the KPI.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Listing responsibilities without the metrics that prove impact.
- Omitting team size and budget, so the reader cannot gauge scope.
- Focusing only on process and ignoring people leadership.
- Using vague verbs like "oversaw" instead of what changed as a result.
Frequently asked questions
What should an operations manager resume include?
A summary, quantified experience showing team size and metrics moved (on-time, cost, error rate), process improvements you led, and any Lean/Six Sigma credentials.
What metrics matter most on an operations manager resume?
On-time or fulfillment rate, cost savings, error/defect reduction, cycle time, and productivity — each with a before/after or percentage.
How long should an operations manager resume be?
One page for most managers, two only if you have extensive senior experience. Prioritize recent, quantified results over an exhaustive job history.