As an Operations Analyst, your job will be to bring value through operations and help drive projects to completion. In order to do so, you must be able to identify, distinguish and analyze multiple components of a problem and then make conclusions through high-level quantitative skills. To support it, the following responsibilities will be a part of your job profile:
Strategic Operations Analysis: Using strategic thinking as a tool, determine the problem and scrutinize the fundamental areas of the problem.
Observe Performance Trends: Research business/industry trends in consumer lifestyle and technology. Analyze consumer data and identify what works and what does not.
Interpret Data: based on specific statistics and procedures used; provide data to support strategic decision-making.
Review financial/sales analysis: Evaluate what was sold and what is not selling, identify which categories have potential to increase and analyze the ratio of cost to benefit.
Recommendations for business practice change: Prepare project recommendations and provide all directors with supportive and analyzed data, and deliver insights on information collected from market research. In addition to these responsibilities, you may also assist in the design, documentation, implementation and monitoring of new products & services.
Skills Required
To be a successful Operations Analyst, you need to have the following skills:
- Excellent Mathematical Skills (Calculus, Statistics Etc)
- Strong Understanding of Economics.
- Be a Quick Problem Solver.
- An Eye for Crucial Details and Defects.
- Proficient in Data Collection, Research and Management.
- Advanced Strategic Thinking Abilities.
- Ability to Quickly Adapt To Any Situation and Work Environment.
- Able To Handle Large Multi-Faceted Projects Simultaneously.
- Good Working Knowledge of Sophisticated Software.
- Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills.
- Leadership Qualities.
- Good Research, Planning And Forecasting Skills.
- Analytical Reasoning Skills.
A college degree with computer skills is required. Many employers prefer to hire someone with at least a Master's degree in operations research or a closely related field like business, mathematics, computer science, engineering or management science coupled with a Bachelor's degree in economics, mathematics or statistics. If you attain a dual graduate degree in operations research and computer science, you will be given priority for this type of position. It is important for Operations Analysts to continue education and keep themselves up to date with technological advances and improvement in analytical methods. You should be proficient in computer programming skills as computers are an important tool for analysts. Experience in project management also adds light to a candidate's resume.
Salary
The salary of an Operations Analyst can range from $48,000 to $85,000 (annually) depending on experience and qualifications. Sometimes employer sponsored training is a part of the analyst's compensation package along with other benefits. Since tuition reimbursement may be provided, you can attend advanced university classes at the employer's expense.
Conclusion
Operations Analysts are employed by organizations to analyze their operations and management and to develop strategies to yield higher profits. As an Operations Analyst you will be involved with top level strategizing, planning and forecasting. Job prospects include higher ranking positions in information technology and other similar industries.
