What causes dbt run-operation Failure?

Macro referenced in run-operation does not exist in the project or loaded packages. Macro arguments passed incorrectly (wrong key names or missing required args). Database operation inside the macro failed (permission denied, object not found, etc.). run-operation executed in a CI environment without the required dbt packages installed. Macro uses `run_query()` or `statement()` and the SQL fails at the warehouse level

How do I fix dbt run-operation Failure?

Verify the macro name: `grep -r 'macro ' macros/` to confirm it exists and is spelled correctly. Check the macro's expected arguments and pass them as JSON: `dbt run-operation --args '{"key": "value"}'`. Run with `--debug` to see the full macro compilation and database execution output. Ensure `dbt deps` has been run and all required packages are installed before run-operation. If the macro runs a DDL/DML statement, test the SQL directly in the warehouse to isolate the database error

Medium severityruntime

Power BI Refresh Error:
dbt run-operation Failure

What does this error mean?

A `dbt run-operation` command failed. This command executes a named macro directly and surfaces any errors from macro compilation or the underlying database operation the macro performs.

Common causes

1Macro referenced in run-operation does not exist in the project or loaded packages
2Macro arguments passed incorrectly (wrong key names or missing required args)
3Database operation inside the macro failed (permission denied, object not found, etc.)
4run-operation executed in a CI environment without the required dbt packages installed
5Macro uses `run_query()` or `statement()` and the SQL fails at the warehouse level

How to fix it

1Verify the macro name: `grep -r 'macro <name>' macros/` to confirm it exists and is spelled correctly
2Check the macro's expected arguments and pass them as JSON: `dbt run-operation <macro> --args '{"key": "value"}'`
3Run with `--debug` to see the full macro compilation and database execution output
4Ensure `dbt deps` has been run and all required packages are installed before run-operation
5If the macro runs a DDL/DML statement, test the SQL directly in the warehouse to isolate the database error

Frequently asked questions

How do I pass multiple arguments to dbt run-operation?

Use the `--args` flag with a JSON string: `dbt run-operation my_macro --args '{"table": "my_table", "schema": "my_schema"}'`. All keys must match the macro's parameter names exactly.