Operations Manager Jobs in Australia 2025: Salaries and Career Tips

What Does an Operations Manager Do?

An Operations Manager is the backbone of any organization, ensuring everything runs like a well-oiled machine. From overseeing logistics and production to managing finances and customer service, they keep daily operations on track. Their key tasks include optimizing processes to cut costs, leading cross-functional teams, setting performance KPIs, and ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards. Whether it's streamlining a supply chain or boosting team productivity, they're problem-solvers who make businesses thrive, as outlined by Upskilled.

Curious about other management roles? Explore Human Resources jobs or visit our career blog for more insights.

Top Industries Hiring Operations Managers in 2025

Australia's job market in 2025 is buzzing with opportunities for Operations Managers across diverse sectors. Based on listings from Seek, here are the top industries hiring:

• Logistics and Supply Chain: Fueled by e-commerce, roles focus on transport and distribution efficiency.
• Manufacturing and Mining: Critical for production and resource management, especially in resource-rich regions.
• Retail and E-commerce: Giants like Woolworths and Amazon need managers for inventory and customer service.
• Healthcare and Aged Care: Growing due to an aging population, with roles in facility operations.
• Hospitality and Accommodation: Hotels and restaurants seek efficient operational leadership.
• Tech and SaaS Startups: Scaling tech firms require streamlined operations.
• Construction and Property: Project oversight drives demand for operational expertise.

Want to work in retail? Check out Woolworths careers or retail jobs in Australia for related opportunities.

Randstad confirms manufacturing and logistics as key sectors, while tech growth is noted by Nucamp.

In-Demand Job Titles

The Operations Manager role comes with various titles reflecting specific focuses. According to Seek, the most sought-after titles in 2025 include:

• Operations Manager
• Regional Operations Manager
• General Manager – Operations
• Business Operations Manager
• Logistics or Supply Chain Operations Lead
• Site Manager (Retail/Industrial)
• Production Manager (Manufacturing)

Interested in logistics? Explore warehouse jobs for related operational roles.

Expected Salaries in Australia (2025)

Salaries for Operations Managers in 2025 vary by experience and location, offering competitive pay across Australia. Here's the breakdown based on data from multiple sources:

Bonuses and benefits like superannuation or car allowances can push total packages up to $180,000, as seen on Seek. Glassdoor reports an average of $123,400 including bonuses, while PayScale notes $90,882, and Talent.com cites $122,114. Melbourne averages $97,001 per Glassdoor, and Amazon offers $151,900 for Operations Managers per Glassdoor.

Want to compare salaries? See high-paying jobs in Australia for more insights.

Skills and Qualifications Needed

To excel as an Operations Manager, you'll need a mix of technical and soft skills, as outlined by Randstad. These include:

• Strong leadership and people management.
• Data analysis using tools like Excel, Power BI, and ERP systems.
• Budgeting and financial planning expertise.
• Project and change management (e.g., Agile, Lean Six Sigma, PMP).
• Excellent communication and decision-making.
• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, or Engineering, often paired with experience.

Boost your tech skills with roles like Data Analyst or IT jobs.

How to Land an Operations Manager Role

Securing an Operations Manager role requires strategy and preparation, as advised by Indeed. Follow these steps:

1. Tailor Your Resume: Highlight impact like cost savings or team growth using our Resume Builder.
2. Emphasize Metrics: Showcase measurable achievements in leadership roles.
3. Prepare for Interviews: Practice scenario-based behavioral questions.
4. Know Industry Tools: Familiarity with SAP, Salesforce, or NetSuite is a plus.
5. Use Job Boards: Search on Seek, Indeed, Workforce Australia, and LinkedIn.

Need interview tips? Check out our career blog for advice on standing out.

Tips for International Applicants

International candidates can break into Australia's Operations Manager market with the right approach, as noted on Seek. Key tips include:

• Check for visa sponsorship in high-skill roles, per Home Affairs.
• Highlight transferable leadership and process improvement skills.
• Demonstrate strong English and multicultural team experience.
• Showcase work with Australian or global firms.
• Consider regional areas for higher demand, as suggested by Randstad.

Explore visa-friendly roles like nursing jobs for more sponsorship opportunities.

Career Path and Advancement

Operations Managers have clear growth paths, as outlined by TealHQ. Next steps include:

• General Manager, Director of Operations, or COO roles.
• Branching into strategy, HR, or project management.
• C-level opportunities with strong leadership skills.
• Continuous learning via MBAs or certifications, per TrainSmart.

Aspiring for executive roles? See Executive Assistant jobs for a complementary path.

Insider Tips from Professionals

Insights from Glassdoor and Reddit reveal real-world perspectives. Professionals note that Australia offers generous leave and work-life balance, with packages up to $180,000 including perks. However, Sydney and Melbourne have high living costs, while regional areas provide affordable lifestyles and sometimes relocation incentives. One Reddit user in r/AusFinance shared that managerial roles often include superannuation and bonuses, enhancing total compensation.

Want more career hacks? Visit our career blog for tips from industry pros.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What qualifications do I need to become a nurse in Australia? Domestic nurses need a Bachelor of Nursing. International nurses require ANMAC assessment, AHPRA registration, and English proficiency.
• How much do nurses earn in Australia in 2025? Enrolled Nurses earn $65,000–$70,000, Registered Nurses $85,000–$95,000, and Nurse Practitioners up to $155,000.
• Can international nurses get visa sponsorship? Yes, roles like Registered Nurse are eligible for Subclass 482 and 186 visas, with rural hospitals offering sponsorship.
• Where can I find nursing jobs in Australia? Look on SEEK, Indeed, Gumtree, state health websites, or through agencies like Healthcare Australia.