Want to Hire the Best in Ops? Here’s What You Need to Know

Operations roles are the backbone of any successful business. Whether it’s streamlining internal processes, managing logistics, or ensuring customer satisfaction, strong ops professionals are what keep the machine running smoothly. But hiring the best in ops isn’t just about scanning resumes for experience — it’s about knowing exactly what to look for and how to draw the right people in.

Here’s what you need to know to hire the best operations talent for your team.

Define What “Ops” Means for Your Business

Before you even post a job ad, get clear on what operations actually entails in your company. Is it focused on supply chain management? Workflow optimization? Team coordination or process automation?

Operations can vary widely depending on your industry and stage of growth. A startup might need a generalist who can build systems from scratch, while a larger company might look for a specialist in data-driven process improvements. Define your needs first — then you can find the right fit.

Look for Problem Solvers, Not Just Task Managers

Strong ops candidates thrive in chaos. They see inefficiencies and can’t help but try to fix them. Rather than just taking orders, they identify problems, propose solutions, and implement changes that improve overall performance.

During interviews, ask candidates about times they’ve improved a system, solved a process issue, or found a creative workaround. You’re looking for people who think critically and take ownership.

Test for Systems Thinking and Adaptability

Ops roles require a blend of logic and flexibility. Candidates need to be comfortable working with spreadsheets, workflows, SOPs — and also be ready to adapt those systems when things inevitably change.

Give them scenarios to walk through: “How would you scale a process that’s currently done manually?” or “What would you do if a supplier dropped out last minute?” Look for structured thinking, calm under pressure, and a clear understanding of how changes ripple through an organization.

Culture Fit and Communication Matter

Operations often sits at the intersection of multiple departments. That means your new hire will likely interact with sales, finance, marketing, and leadership — sometimes all in the same day. They need to communicate clearly, manage relationships, and handle friction without escalating it.

A strong culture fit is just as important as skill. Make sure your candidate understands your values, work pace, and expectations. A great ops hire doesn’t just “fit in” — they make things work better across the board. If you’re looking to streamline the process and find top-tier candidates, consider partnering with a specialist like Operations Assistant Recruitment, who understands exactly what makes a great fit for your team.

Don’t Overlook Transferable Experience

The best ops hires don’t always come with traditional operations titles. Look for people with experience managing complexity, coordinating teams, or implementing systems — even if their background is in events, customer success, or production.

Many great ops people have grown into the role by necessity. If they’ve shown the right instincts in past roles, they could be exactly what your business needs now.

Hiring the best in ops isn’t about finding a unicorn — it’s about knowing the key traits to look for and asking the right questions. Define your goals, seek out problem solvers, and invest in the people who’ll keep your business running at full speed.