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Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

THE ROLE As Operations, you work directly with the CEO and the internal Operations team as we scale. You will be a key part of the operational backbone of the company. You are a utility player: sharp ...

You'll work with our operations team to create an amazing space to work from that both looks and feels great, and run out the day-to-day and ever changing needs of the office. You'll also support our ...

You'll work with our operations team to create an amazing space to work from that both looks and feels great, and run out the day-to-day and ever changing needs of the office. You'll also support our ...

This role We're looking for an Operations generalist to own the systems that keep Krea running. This is a broad role - partnerships and vendor relationships, recruiting, people ops, office ...

Operations

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Director of Operations Location: San Francisco, CA | Onsite 5 Days/Week Compensation: $140,000-$175,000 Base DOE + Benefits Industry: Mission-Driven Technology Startup A mission-driven technology ...

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Operations information

See California salary details

$9

$23

$48

How much do operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations in California is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an example of an operations job?

An operations job involves managing daily business activities to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Examples include operations managers, supply chain coordinators, and logistics specialists who oversee processes, optimize workflows, and use tools like enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Operations, you need strong analytical skills, process optimization abilities, and experience in supply chain or project management, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with ERP systems, workflow management tools, and certifications like Six Sigma are commonly expected. Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help drive efficiency and foster collaboration across teams. These competencies are vital for ensuring streamlined processes, minimizing costs, and achieving organizational objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in operations roles, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in operations often face challenges such as coordinating across multiple departments, adapting to fast-changing priorities, and optimizing processes under tight deadlines. Effective management of these challenges typically involves strong communication skills, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to use data to inform decisions. Building strong relationships with team members and leveraging project management tools can also help operations professionals stay organized and ensure smooth workflow. Continuous learning and adaptability are essential to thrive in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Operations vs Customer Service Representative?

AspectOperationsCustomer Service Representative
Required credentialsVaries; often includes business or management certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require customer service training
Work environmentOffice settings, warehouses, or production facilitiesCall centers, retail stores, or office environments
Employer and industry usageCommon across manufacturing, logistics, and corporate sectorsCommon in retail, telecommunications, and service industries
Search and comparison intentFocuses on managing processes, logistics, and overall business operationsFocuses on assisting customers, resolving issues, and providing support

Operations roles involve managing business processes, logistics, and overall organizational efficiency, often requiring management certifications. Customer Service Representatives primarily handle customer interactions, support, and issue resolution. While both roles are essential in business operations, they differ in responsibilities, work environment, and skill requirements.

What are different jobs in an operations department?

The operations department is tasked with increasing company efficiency and requires many different workers. Entry-level positions within the operations department include jobs such as clerical assistants or stores and inventory coordinators. With experience, you can take on additional responsibilities as an operations analyst. With additional training and advanced postsecondary education, such as a bachelor’s degree, you can apply to work as an operations manager. To become the director of operations, you may need a bachelor’s degree and significant work experience or an MBA.

What are operations jobs?

Operations jobs focus on managing and optimizing the day-to-day activities within a business to ensure efficiency and productivity. Professionals in operations oversee processes, resources, and workflows to help organizations run smoothly and achieve their goals. Their responsibilities can range from supply chain management and logistics to process improvement and team coordination. Operations roles are essential across many industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and technology. These positions require strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.

What are careers in operations?

Careers in operations involve managing and optimizing the processes, resources, and systems that support a company's daily functions. Roles can include operations manager, supply chain coordinator, logistics specialist, and process analyst, often requiring skills in project management, problem-solving, and familiarity with tools like ERP systems. These positions are essential for ensuring efficiency, productivity, and smooth business performance.

Is operations a good career path?

Operations is a viable career path that involves managing processes, resources, and logistics within organizations. It often requires skills in problem-solving, communication, and familiarity with tools like ERP systems, with opportunities for advancement into management roles. The field offers diverse industries and stable employment prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations jobs in California? The most popular types of Operations jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Operations jobs? Cities in California with the most Operations job openings:
Infographic showing various Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,581 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Senior Associate, Investment Operations

Ares Operations LLC

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Over the last 20 years, Ares' success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values - Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy - and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry.

Job Description

At Ares, Investment Operations is a strategic partner to the investment business, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of our global investment platform. We are seeking a highly motivated Investment Operations Senior Associate to join our New York-based Operational Excellence team.
In this role, you will support the integrity of Ares' investment platform by partnering across Operations, Portfolio Management, Technology, Fund Administration, Finance, Treasury, and external banking partners to resolve complex operational challenges, strengthen controls, and enhance operational efficiency.

This position is ideal for an experienced investment operations professional who enjoys solving complex problems, leveraging data to identify trends, and improving operational processes. You'll gain broad exposure to sophisticated credit and alternative investment products while contributing to initiatives that improve scalability, enhance controls, and reduce operational risk across the firm.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS & ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

As an Investment Operations Senior Associate in the Operational Excellence team, you will play a key role in supporting Ares' investment platform by:

Operational Excellence & Risk Management

  • Develop a deep understanding of reconciliation and operational processes while serving as a resource on complex operational issues.
  • Resolve complex operational exceptions through detailed investigation and root cause analysis.
  • Recommend process improvements that strengthen controls and improve operational efficiency.

Cross-Functional Partnership

  • Partner with Portfolio Management, Fund Administration, Treasury, Technology, Finance, and Operations to resolve complex operational issues and improve end-to-end workflows.
  • Build trusted relationships with custodian banks, agent banks, and external service providers, driving timely issue resolution and process improvements.
  • Review and challenge fund administrator processing, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to operational standards.
  • Share knowledge and best practices with team members to support a collaborative environment.

Process Improvement & Innovation

  • Contribute to initiatives that automate manual processes and improve operational efficiency.
  • Support system enhancements, platform migrations, and new business implementations.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve operational scalability.
  • Assist in developing operational KPIs and reporting to identify trends and support continuous improvement.
  • Participate in testing activities for new systems and process enhancements.

Strategic Projects

  • Participate in cross-functional initiatives supporting enhancements to the Investment Operations platform.
  • Contribute operational expertise to new business launches, platform migrations, and strategic process improvement initiatives.
  • Support implementation of technology-enabled solutions that improve operational effectiveness.
  • Represent the Operational Excellence team in project meetings, as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

Experience Required

  • 4-8 years of experience in Investment Operations, Middle Office, Fund Operations, or related financial services functions.
  • Extensive experience supporting bank loan operations, private credit, syndicated loans, fixed income, structured products, or alternative investments.
  • Demonstrated success leading operational improvement initiatives and business transformation projects.
  • Strong experience managing complex operational risk and designing scalable control frameworks.
  • Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.
  • Experience partnering closely with Technology on automation, system implementations, and platform enhancements.
  • Strong understanding of investment operations, accounting principles, portfolio servicing, and operational controls.
  • Experience working with custodian banks, agent banks, broker dealers, prime brokers, and fund administrators.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and data analytics tools.
  • Experience with Wall Street Office, Geneva, Python, SQL, Alteryx, Power Automate, or similar automation technologies is highly desirable.
  • Experience within alternative investments, private credit, private equity, or hedge funds strongly preferred.

General Requirements

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently manage complex issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for operational improvement and drive execution.
  • Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and a strong control mindset.
  • Comfortable managing competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple business functions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present findings and recommendations.
  • Proactive, accountable, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Passion for continuous improvement, operational excellence, and delivering high-quality outcomes.
  • Demonstrated ownership mentality with a focus on driving results.

Reporting Relationships

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.

$130,000 - $150,000

The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit.

Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more.

There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.