Operations Management Jobs Key Terms

Learn the vocabulary for operations management jobs

By Adah Chung

Operations management jobs encompass many different aspects of the operation of a business. Job responsibilities in operation management can include distribution, sales, supply chain management, human resources, inventory control, vendor management, customer liaison and business process management. If your career focus is in operations management, knowing key terms can help you to address your skill sets and can translate into differing fields under operations management.

Product manager

A product manager is one who is responsible for the development and process of a product in an organization. The function is to liaise with various departments and customers to ensure that the product meets requirements.
Try: Pragmatic Marketing has more information about the role of a product manager.

Quality control manager

A quality control manager's main job function is to analyze and oversee the production process in order to maintain and increase the quality of goods being produced. Understanding scientific processes and methodologies are generally helpful in this position.
Try: The Princeton Review describes a quality control manager in more detail.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

An enterprise resource planning system is one that is used by operations managers to oversee and manage all the operational functions of the business. This system can include accounting, payroll, inventory control, purchasing and sales modules. Operations managers often need to be well versed in using this system.
Try: ERPspecialist.com gives a definition of ERP.

Supply chain management

Supply chain management refers to the management of all of the suppliers of a product from manufacturing to delivery. It is a recognition that there are more organizations involved in the production and development of a product, and thus management of all parties and organizations involved can make the production process more efficient.
Try: North Carolina State University explains supply chain management.

Purchasing manager

A purchasing manager is one who is responsible for overseeing the purchase of supplies needed for the business. The purchasing manager negotiates contracts, supervises suppliers and seeks out new suppliers and service providers to help the business run more efficiently.
Try: The United States Department of Labor describes the role and responsibilities of a purchasing manager.

Association of Operations Management

The Association of Operations Management is a source of information and training in the operations management industry. It provides two certification programs: Certified in Product and Inventory Management and Certified Supply Chain Professional.
Try: Check with the APICS - Association of Operations Management for more information about this association.