Operations departments exist in a wealth of business settings, from advertising agencies to grocery stores. The exact duties they perform differ from business to business. That said, the goals of operations departments -- and the managers who run them -- are generally the same.

Goals and Salary Averages

While other professionals have specific tasks, operations managers wear numerous hats. The operations department makes sure that a business' ultimate priorities are being met. Managers may be involved in human resources to oversee the hiring and training of employees. They may monitor resources in retail establishments to make sure items are always in stock. They keep an eye on cultural trends so businesses stay up-to-date with the products and services they're offering. They review the company's profitability and make adjustments as needed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, operations managers averaged $116,090 a year in 2013.