The operations manager makes sure business is as usual, and that all is running in a timely, effective, and profitable manner.

Operations Manager Job Description

As an operations manager, you will:

  • Oversee company production of goods and services.
  • Manage the day to day operations.
  • Insure the company is running smoothly.
  • Help to make sure the company is exceeding any and all expectations.
  • Establish a budget, along with profits and goals.
  • Make sure the company is staying within budget.
  • Head up company reviews.
  • Head up staff meetings, and meetings with customers, labor union, government officials, and the like.
  • Keep up to date with any pertinent changes in regulations via the government.
  • Make hiring and firing decisions, along with other types of staff support.

How to Become an Operations Manager

In some cases, you can work your way up to operations manager without a college degree by having a lot of work experience. However, in many instances, hiring managers look for applicants with a bachelor’s degree and some work experience under his or her belt.

  • Get your high school diploma or GED.
  • Go get a bachelor’s degree in operations management, logistics, supply chain management, or business administration.
  • Consider getting your master’s degree so you can go further up the career ladder.
  • Obtain work experience in areas like Human Resources, Sales, Finance, and Information Technology.
  • Find a job in one of the many industries needing operations managers such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, transportation, and insurance.
  • Keep advancing your career.

Use the program search application to connect with a school near you.

Salary Information

Mean wage estimates for general and operational managers:

  • Entry level: $45,050
  • Median: $100,780
  • Top earners: $157,430

The top paying states and their annual mean wage are:

  • New Jersey – $164,090
  • Rhode Island – $157,720
  • Connecticut – $157,170
  • New York – $155,640
  • District of Columbia – $153,000

Reference