What are Operational Manager OKRs?
The OKR acronym stands for Objectives and Key Results. It's a goal-setting framework that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s, and it became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s. OKRs helps teams has a shared language to set ambitious goals and track progress towards them.
OKRs are quickly gaining popularity as a goal-setting framework. But, it's not always easy to know how to write your goals, especially if it's your first time using OKRs.
We've tailored a list of OKRs examples for Operational Manager to help you. You can look at any of the templates below to get some inspiration for your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
How to write your own Operational Manager OKRs
Option 1. Turn ideas into OKRs with Tability AI
While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.
You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe your goals
Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.
Watch the video below to see it in action 👇
Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool
If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRsTability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.
You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.
Option 3. Use the free OKR generator
If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.
Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.
Operational Manager OKRs examples
We've added many examples of Operational Manager Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to secure BUMA's competitive sustainability and future-readiness
ObjectiveSecure BUMA's competitive sustainability and future-readiness
KRReduce operational costs by 10% through process improvements
Implement automation to reduce manual tasks- Identify inefficient processes for optimization
- Train employees on new streamlined procedures
- KRIncrease employee productivity by 15% via implementing advanced training programs
- Develop and implement the chosen advanced training programs
- Monitor and measure the impact of training on productivity
- Identify the necessary training programs for employee skills enhancement
- KRDevelop three innovative product features to enhance customer value proposition
- Brainstorm unique features improving existing product functionality
- Conduct market research to identify customer needs and interests
- Prototype, test, and refine chosen features
OKRs to increase overall business profitability
- ObjectiveIncrease overall business profitability
- KREnhance product pricing to boost gross profit by 15%
- Analyze competitors' pricing strategies for comparable products
- Implement cost reduction measures to increase profit margins
- Adjust pricing based on product demand and value perception
- KRImplement process optimization strategies to cut operational costs by 7%
- Identify and analyze areas with high operational costs
- Evaluate the impacts regularly and make adjustments
- Develop and apply process optimization strategies
- KRAttain a 10% net profit margin by improving cost efficiency
- Identify unnecessary costs and eliminate them
- Implement more cost-effective processes and procedures
- Train employees on cost efficiency practices
OKRs to enhance profitable performance of the finance team
- ObjectiveEnhance profitable performance of the finance team
- KRImprove the ROI (Return on Investment) by 10% on all key business initiatives
- Increase upselling and cross-selling efforts across channels
- Identify and eliminate inefficient processes or expenditures
- Implement tracking metrics to optimize marketing campaigns
- KRIncrease total revenue by 15% in operational areas
- Initiate strategies for customer retention and acquisition
- Enhance product/service offerings to drive sales
- Implement efficiency measures to reduce operational costs
- KRCut financial inefficiencies and wastage by 20%
- Implement stricter budget control measures
- Conduct thorough assessments to find wasteful spending
- Train employees on cost efficiency strategies
OKRs to implement automation to streamline existing processes
- ObjectiveImplement automation to streamline existing processes
- KRAchieve 20% reduction in operational costs via automated processes within the quarter
- Implement advanced automation software in key operational areas
- Train staff to effectively use automation tools
- Evaluate and optimize current processes for potential automation
- KRIdentify 3 processes that can be automated by end of first month
- Prioritize three processes for automation deployment
- Survey current company operations for repetitive tasks
- Evaluate the potential for automation efficiency
- KRTrain 80% of the team on utilizing the new automated processes efficiently
- Identify team members unfamiliar with the new automated processes
- Develop comprehensive training sessions on automation efficiency
- Implement and track progress of these training sessions
OKRs to elevate sales, profit, and operational efficiency
- ObjectiveElevate sales, profit, and operational efficiency
- KRIncrease quarterly sales revenue by 17% through client expansion and product diversification
- Upsell additional products to existing customers
- Identify potential clients; implement aggressive marketing strategies
- Develop new product lines to broaden the offerings
- KRImprove net profit margin by 10% through cost reduction and effective pricing strategies
- Develop and implement effective product pricing strategies
- Monitor and adjust pricing strategies based on market response
- Analyze costs and identify areas for reduction or optimization
- KRBoost operational efficiency by 20% via process optimization and technology integration
- Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the current operations process
- Research and invest in technologies that streamline workflows
- Train staff on implementing new technologies and optimized processes
OKRs to drastically decrease operational expenses
- ObjectiveDrastically decrease operational expenses
- KRDecrease supply chain costs by 10% through vendor negotiations and solutions
- Develop strategies for productive pricing discussions
- Implement cost-effective vendor management solutions
- Identify vital vendors for price renegotiation
- KRReduce energy consumption by 15% with sustainable initiatives
- Implement company-wide training on energy-saving practices
- Regularly audit and maintain equipment for optimal efficiency
- Install energy-efficient appliances and light fixtures
- KRImplement effective automation tools, boosting productivity by 25%
- Monitor and adjust processes to achieve 25% productivity increase
- Implement and integrate chosen automation tools into daily operations
- Research and identify suitable automation tools for business processes
OKRs to increase operational efficiency significantly
- ObjectiveIncrease operational efficiency significantly
- KRReduce processing time for all department workflows by 20%
- Train staff in time management techniques
- Analyze current workflows to identify inefficiencies
- Implement process automation where possible
- KRIncrease on-time project completions by 30%
- Conduct frequent progress checks and adjustments if necessary
- Implement strict project scheduling and timeline management strategies
- Enhance communication between team members for better coordination
- KRDecrease operational errors by 15% through process improvements and training
- Implement and enforce new procedures to ensure compliance and accuracy
- Develop a comprehensive training program for all staff members
- Identify common operational mistakes through rigorous process analysis
OKRs to increase operational efficiency across all divisions
- ObjectiveIncrease operational efficiency across all divisions
- KRAchieve a 15% reduction in process cycle time by simplifying workflows
- Implement updated, streamlined processes
- Train staff on new procedures
- Identify redundant steps in current workflows
- KRImplement one new automation software to reduce manual tasks by 30%
- Train employees on the new software
- Select an appropriate automation software
- Identify tasks that are suitable for automation
- KRImprove productivity by doing a 20% increase in tasks completed per person
- Prioritize tasks based on their importance and due dates
- Use productivity tools to track progress and efficiency
- Implement and stick to a well-structured schedule
OKRs to maximize operational efficiency for cost reduction
- ObjectiveMaximize operational efficiency for cost reduction
- KRImplement cost-saving measures to decrease departmental spending by 10%
- Develop and implement more efficient operational procedures
- Introduce budget training to staff members for better resource allocation
- Analyze current departmental expenditures and identify potential areas for reduction
- KRReduce operational expenses by 15% through efficient resource allocation
- Identify areas of wastage or redundancy in current resource allocation
- Monitor and regularly reassess resource allocation efficiency
- Implement strategies to optimize use of resources effectively
- KRImprove procurement processes to save 8% on supply chain expenses
- Streamline ordering processes to eliminate unnecessary purchases
- Implement a centralized procurement strategy for better pricing and control
- Evaluate suppliers regularly, seeking more cost-efficient options
OKRs to enhance operational efficiency across all workflows
- ObjectiveEnhance operational efficiency across all workflows
- KRReduce task redundancy by identifying and eliminating 20% of duplicate tasks
- Implement plan to remove 20% of these duplicates
- Identify duplicate tasks in existing workflow
- Analyze impact of eliminating identified duplicates
- KRReduce processing time by 15% for key operational activities
- Implement efficient technologies to streamline operational processes
- Train staff on time management skills and faster work methods
- Identify and eliminate unneeded steps in current procedures
- KRImplement two new process automation tools to minimize manual intervention
- Research and select two process automation tools suitable for our needs
- Train staff on how to utilize these new tools
- Purchase and install the selected automation tools
Operational Manager OKR best practices
Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.
Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇
Tip #1: Limit the number of key results
Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.
We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.
Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins
Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.
Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.
Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row
Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.
As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.
Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.
How to track your Operational Manager OKRs
OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.
If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.
More Operational Manager OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to enhance transparency and accessibility of my calendar
- OKRs to enhance efficiency of operations in the HR department
- OKRs to decrease the Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR) for all incidents
- OKRs to successfully develop a functional Figma prototype
- OKRs to enhance brand visibility and customer loyalty
- OKRs to provide the best Marketing solution