Operations roles can vary by industry, but generally, they’re brought in to improve your processes, workflows and operations to make things efficient, cost-effective and employee-friendly. Since these specialized roles aren’t always clearly defined, it can be difficult to hire the right people for the job. That’s where an operations recruiter can help. 

Hiring a contract operations recruiter allows you to focus on other aspects of the business while they take on the hiring process. But how do you find the right one? Here are key considerations to guide your search:

• Industry-Specific Knowledge - Operations roles vary widely by industry, so operations recruiters need experience hiring for a range of companies. Look for a recruiter who has experience in your field and understands its unique operational demands.

• Ability to Identify Strategic Thinkers - Strong operations professionals don’t just manage tasks – they optimize processes and develop strategies to improve efficiency. A recruiter should be able to evaluate a candidate’s ability to think strategically and ask screening questions to assess their skills.

• Ability to Assess Previous Wins - Operations professionals try to improve efficiency and lower costs in their roles, so it’s good to review the wins and successes they’ve had in previous roles. A recruiter should know how to review their work history and see their ability to improve operations.

• Ability to Assess Adaptability - Operations roles often require cross-functional collaboration. Look for a recruiter who can identify candidates who will thrive in your work environment while maintaining flexibility to adapt to evolving operational needs.

How to write an effective job post

A detailed job post will help attract skilled operations recruiters who understand your business’s specific challenges. Here are some tips to write the job post:

• Outline Role Scope and Key Responsibilities - Define the operational roles you need to fill, such as “Operations Manager” or “Operations Assistant,” and describe the primary responsibilities. 

• Specific Skills and Tools - Highlight tools or systems candidates should be familiar with, such as ERP software (SAP, Oracle, etc.), supply chain management platforms or project management tools (Asana, Trello, etc.).

• Project Scope and Timeline - Specify whether this is a short-term project for immediate hires or an ongoing need for a growing team. It also helps to talk about potential timelines or milestones.

• Company’s Operational Vision - Share your company’s approach to operations and your ultimate goals for the roles you’re hiring. This helps recruiters identify candidates who align with your vision.

With these tips in mind, your job listing for an operations recruiter might look like this:

Example Job Post

• We are seeking a freelance operations recruiter experienced in sourcing operations professionals, specifically operations managers, analysts and coordinators. 

• We want to hire professionals who oversee resource planning and allocation, optimize workflows to reduce inefficiencies and manage supply chain operations and vendor relationships.

• Preference will be given to recruiters with a track record of hiring for efficiency-focused roles and experience with tools like SAP and Asana.

• Our company values scalable processes and data-driven decisions. We’re looking for candidates who can not only manage workflows but also drive innovation in resource planning and supply chain management.