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Operations Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Support regional operations through workflow improvement, training, and process optimization ... High School Diploma, Associate's degree in relatable field, Healthcare Administration, Business ...

Support regional operations through workflow improvement, training, and process optimization ... High School Diploma, Associate's degree in relatable field, Healthcare Administration, Business ...

Degree Equivalency: 4-years job-related work experience O R Associate's and 2 years job related work experience * Required Work Experience: 2-years of data analysis or related operations experience.

Site Operations

Sumter, SC · On-site

$20/hr

Site Operations Department: Logistics Employment Type: Temporary Location: Sumter, SC Compensation ... Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and customers. * Ability to ...

Under the direction of the Regional Director of Operations (RDO), oversees the operational segment ... Strong commitment to a culture of safety for all associates. Job Qualifications * Minimum 5 years ...

Site Operations

Sumter, SC · On-site

$20/hr

Site Operations Department: Logistics Employment Type: Full Time Location: Sumter, SC Compensation ... Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and customers. * Ability to ...

Site Operations

Sumter, SC · On-site

$20/hr

Runs errands as needed for camp operations * Keeps the property clean, safe and comfortable for all ... Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and customers. * Ability to ...

Runs errands as needed for camp operations * Keeps the property clean, safe and comfortable for all ... Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and customers. * Ability to ...

Runs errands as needed for camp operations * Keeps the property clean, safe and comfortable for all ... Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and customers. * Ability to ...

Apply Early

Runs errands as needed for camp operations * Keeps the property clean, safe and comfortable for all ... Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and customers. * Ability to ...

Apply Early

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Operations Associate information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$9

$21

$43

How much do operations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations associate in Columbia, SC is $21.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $24.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operations Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of business processes, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, data analysis tools, and office productivity software is often required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities help you adapt to changing priorities and coordinate effectively across departments. These skills ensure smooth daily operations, efficiency, and the ability to swiftly resolve issues within the organization.

What does an Operations Associate do?

An Operations Associate supports the daily functions of a business by ensuring that processes run smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities often include coordinating workflow, managing inventory, maintaining records, and assisting with administrative tasks. They may also help with process improvements and problem-solving to optimize operations. Operations Associates work closely with various departments to ensure that organizational goals are met and that operations comply with company policies and industry regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by Operations Associates, and how can they effectively manage them?

Operations Associates often encounter challenges such as juggling multiple tasks with tight deadlines, adapting to changing priorities, and ensuring efficient communication across different departments. To manage these effectively, it’s important to develop strong organizational skills, maintain flexibility, and proactively communicate with team members and supervisors. Utilizing project management tools and regularly seeking feedback can also help in staying on top of responsibilities and continuously improving performance.

What Is an Operations Associate?

An operations associate provides support to the operations manager, either individually or as part of a team. As an operations associate, you assist with a variety of duties necessary to the basic operations of your employer, so your responsibilities depend to some degree on the industry in which you work—retail, healthcare, travel, manufacturing, or corporate offices. You handle clerical and administrative tasks, like employee scheduling, product management, and ordering supplies. You also monitor and assist with customer service, sales, and marketing initiatives.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operations jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Operations jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Operations Associate jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Operations Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Operations Associate job openings in Columbia, SC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,574 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Operations Manager - Transportation (Supply Chain/Logistics)

Operations Manager - Transportation (Supply Chain/Logistics)

Penske

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

 
Are you an energetic and team-oriented leader focused on commitment to customers, dedication to excellence and innovation?
 
 
Do you have a proven record of leadership excellence and a history of leading teams to consistently exceed established goals in dynamic operational environments?

 
Do you have a proven ability to recruit, train, develop, communicate with and retain team members?

 
Do you have a demonstrated ability to develop forward looking plans and turn those plans into successful execution?

 
Do you have a proven ability to effectively manage financial resources?

 
Penske Logistics is seeking a proven leader with relevant experience and skills to join our team of transportation and logistics professionals. We are seeking a candidate to supervise drivers at one of our locations.

 
The Operations Manager provides leadership to leading staff to ensure customer requirements are achieved while meeting our Penske goals and objectives.
 

Schedule: Monday -Friday, 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Supporting: 17 Drivers at 6 locations
Experience: People focused, operationally minded, strong communication skills, safety mindset, continuous improvement, goal oriented, detail oriented, demonstrated leadership skills
Salary:  $69,300 - $93,500 - In this role, Operations Managers will be bonus eligible based on their performance and location performance. 

Benefits:  Our excellent benefits plan keeps associates and their families happy, healthy, and secure. To learn more visit https://penske.jobs/benefits/

 
Position Summary:
Lead teams in a dynamic operational environment, to consistently exceed established goals, demonstrate a commitment to customers and a dedication to excellence and innovation. Develop forward looking plans and turn those plans into successful execution.  Effectively manage resources to achieve operational excellence and meet or exceed the site financial operating plan.  Implement and maintain an incident free safety culture at the operation.

 
Major Responsibilities:
People
Establish and sustain that all supervisors and associates are trained and competent and understand how their work relates to the customers' business objectives
Establish and sustain that we recruit, hire, train, develop and retain quality associates. 
Establish and sustain effective, two-way communication that informs and motivates as well as recognizes excellence among team members 
Establish and sustain strong and effective relationships with associates, the customer, and supporting departments 

 
Operations
Meet or exceed all customer key performance metrics and objectives
Interact daily with local customer to ensure existing and emerging customer needs are understood
Lead team to identify operational improvements in areas such as route optimization, carrier selection, backhauls, and trailer loading
Collaborate with other Penske sites to share best practices, leverage resources/assets, etc.

 
Finance
Develop and execute annual financial and operating plan
Lead the operation with integrity to meet or exceed the Business Plan targets
Identify issues with the operating metrics and P&L and make required adjustments in a timely manner
Ensure customer billings and associate payroll are prepared timely and accurately, the payables and intercompany charges are valid and correct, and all other activities are accurately reflected in the P&L.

 
Safety
Lead a culture of safety through personal example
Develop, execute, and assess continuous improvement plan to reduce accident and injury frequency
Ensure each associate understands their individual role and responsibilities, as well as the group's role and responsibilities required to achieve and maintain a safe work place
Proactively identify and correct unsafe conditions, work processes, and behaviors
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies, company policies and procedures  
Coach through safety observations

 
Growth/Customer Experience
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and challenge the status quo
Execute a process to track and record value delivered to the customer
Identify and seize profitable business opportunities for the customer and Penske
Utilize available metrics to monitor and maximize customer efficiencies and achieve cost savings.

 
Fleet/Assets
Lead effort to improve fleet/equipment utilization, maintenance availability and fuel efficiency 
Contribute to equipment specification at time of start-up and renewal
Build a strong working relationship with local PTL district and other equipment vendors
Other projects and tasks as assigned by supervisor


 

About Penske Logistics
Penske Logistics engineers state-of-the-art transportation, warehousing and supply chain management solutions that deliver powerful business results for market-leading companies. With operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Penske and its associates help businesses move forward by increasing visibility and driving down supply-chain costs. Visit Penske Logistics to learn more.

Qualifications:
4 - 6 years related functional experience. 
3+ years managerial or supervisory experience with DOT regulated positions required
High School degree or equivalent required
Bachelor's Degree preferred
Proficiency with computers including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint required
Must have ability to connect and build rapport and relationships with associates and external customers at all levels
Must have ability to work efficiently with time management and organizational skills with follow-up and follow through
Ability to manage through a problem and think and make decisions independently
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute annual financial operating plan
Ability to drive process improvement and lead change
Must demonstrate ownership & responsibility for running the operation with a sense of urgency
Strong written/oral communication including the ability to present in front of others, and demonstrate active listening skills are required
Regular, predictable, full attendance is an essential function of the job
Willingness to travel as necessary, work the required schedule, work at the specific location required, complete Penske employment application, submit to a background investigation (to include past employment, education, and criminal history) and drug screening required.
 
Physical Requirements:
- The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The associate will be required to: read; communicate verbally and/or in written form; remember and analyze certain information; and remember and understand certain instructions or guidelines.
- While performing the duties of this job, the associate may be required to stand, walk, and sit. The associate is frequently required to use hands to touch, handle, and feel, and to reach with hands and arms.  The associate must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25lbs/12kg.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
 
Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer.