Organizations across public and private sectors rely on skilled leaders to oversee their business functions and maintain their operational efficiency.
As organizations work to improve customer satisfaction, control costs, and refine production processes, operations managers play a central role in meeting related performance goals.
Operations managers plan, coordinate, and supervise an organization’s daily operations, working closely with professionals in other departments such as finance, human resources, customer service, production, and logistics.
Earning a bachelor’s degree provides aspiring operations managers with a strong educational foundation. However, pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can help them prepare for the advanced responsibilities often outlined in the operations manager job description.
What Does an Operations Manager Do?
Operations managers are business administration professionals who focus on supporting their organization’s growth, coordinating projects, and improving efficiency.
Because operations management is a broad field, many professionals specialize in areas based on their organization’s needs. For example, a supply chain operations manager may focus on inventory control, distribution, and transportation, while a human resources operations manager may oversee hiring, employee assessments, and employee compensation.
Day-to-Day Duties
The responsibilities included in an operations manager job description can vary by industry and organization, but generally consist of leadership, problem-solving, and administrative duties. The following are some common tasks for operations managers:
- Communicating with clients, vendors, and internal departments
- Identifying and resolving production issues with products or services
- Analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Managing organizational resources
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards
- Training and guiding employees
- Overseeing quality control processes
Operations managers’ responsibilities often require them to balance short-term problem-solving with long-term planning. They must evaluate performance data, identify inefficiencies, and implement process improvements, while staying aligned with organizational goals. Operations managers’ responsibilities often require them to coordinate with other departments to maintain consistent performance and adapt to changing business needs.
Common Work Environments
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), roughly 3.7 million general and operations managers were employed across the country in 2024. According to the BLS, retail trade companies were the largest employers of these professionals, followed by professional, technical and scientific services; construction; wholesale trade; and manufacturing firms.
Many operations managers work in offices and travel to warehouses, construction sites, or factories. Some operations managers can work remotely or both in an office and remotely in a hybrid work arrangement. This typically depends on their responsibilities and their organization’s needs.
Education and Experience Requirements for Operations Managers
Operations manager positions require candidates to have a certain level of education, experience, and skills. Operations manager job descriptions often list a bachelor’s degree as the minimum educational requirement. Relevant majors include business administration, finance, operations management, and supply chain management. While not always required, holding an advanced degree such as an MBA can be helpful to take on higher-level responsibilities.
In addition to formal education, employers look for candidates with experience, typically at least five years. Entry-level positions such as operations assistant, account manager, or logistics coordinator can provide valuable experience. These roles build an understanding of an organization’s workflows, communication skills, and project management. On-the-job training or an internship also provides aspiring operations managers with valuable hands-on experience.
Holding a professional certification may not be required, but it can demonstrate specialized knowledge in a specific area. Managers may pursue certification in supply chain management, project management, human resources, or financial operations.
Essential Operations Manager Skills
Operations managers work in highly collaborative environments and require a mix of hard and soft skills. To excel at their jobs, operations managers need skills in the following areas:
- Communication
- Organization
- Financial management
- Leadership
- Decision-making
- Conflict resolution
- Adaptability
- Quality control assessment
- Process improvement
Operations managers can also benefit from understanding the product development process, inventory systems, budgeting software, and project management tools.
Operations Manager Salary and Job Outlook
According to BLS data, the median annual salary for general and operations managers was $102,950 in May 2024. The highest 10 percent of earners made more than $239,200. Operations manager salaries can vary based on experience, employer, industry, and location.
Employment of general and operations managers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS. As demand for operational expertise continues to grow, employment in the field is projected to keep pace with overall workforce growth.
Prepare for a Future as an Operations Manager
Learning about the operations manager job description is an important first step for anyone considering pursuing a career in this field. Earning an undergraduate degree, such as business administration, can help aspiring operations managers build foundational knowledge in logistics, project management, finance, and human resources. Earning a master’s degree may open doors to career advancement and higher salaries, helping professionals stand out in a competitive job market.
SEMO Online’s Master of Business Administration degree program is a general management program designed for those interested in pursuing management or executive roles. The program’s curriculum covers organizational behavior, strategic decision-making, marketing, and cost analysis. With flexible start dates and eight-week terms, this 100 percent online program enables working professionals to balance their studies with their careers. SEMO Online also offers MBA concentrations in Accounting, Health Administration, and International Business.
Explore the Southeast Missouri State University on campus and online business degree programs today. Learn how SEMO Online can help you prepare for an operations manager career.
Recommended Readings
Business Management Salary Guide
Sources:
Indeed, “15 Essential Operational Management Skills”
Indeed, “How to Become an Operations Manager (with Salary and Job Outlook)”
Indeed, “What Does an Operations Manager Do? (With Requirements)”
Maine Association of Nonprofits, “Operations Manager Overview”
Randstad, “What Is an Operations Manager?”
UpKeep, “What Does an Operations Manager Do? Skills, Responsibilities and More”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Top Executives