What the role does
Operations managers coordinate the systems, people, reporting and compliance that keep an agency running effectively. Scope varies from a single office to a multi-office network.
A typical day
- Reviewing compliance, trust and audit items.
- Supporting administration and support team workload.
- Improving or documenting a process that is causing friction.
- Producing performance and workflow reporting for leadership.
Typical responsibilities
- Maintaining operational systems and documented processes
- Supporting compliance, trust and risk controls
- Leading administration and support teams
- Producing performance and workflow reporting
Skills employers look for
- Process design and implementation
- Commercial judgement
- People leadership
- High attention to detail and compliance
How people get in
- Office management or agency administration
- Trust accounting and finance roles
- Senior property management or sales administration
How the pay usually works
Salaried, occasionally with a performance component tied to agency results. Scope — single office versus network — drives the range more than title does.
Career pathway
Experienced administrators, office managers and trust-account specialists often progress into operations management, then chief operating, network or executive roles.
Useful development
Useful development includes people leadership, project management, trust accounting, privacy, cyber awareness and business reporting.
Resources and practical advice
Know the trust account obligations in your state
Trust accounting rules and audit requirements are state-based and strictly enforced. Confirm current obligations with your state regulator before taking responsibility for them.
Common questions
- Do I need a licence for operations?
- Not always, but a licence is often expected where the role carries trust account or supervision responsibility. Check the requirement in your state.