Companies that function at a high level need people in key positions to improve workflows and processes, reducing waste, and improving efficiency. Operations management does exactly that, improving an organization’s efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity. An operations manager helps identify areas for improvement, creates solutions, and implements new procedures and processes.
This position is for people with a deep understanding of how businesses operate, who have an analytical mind, and who can collaborate with other departments to support company objectives. Operations Manager positions typically require several years of related professional experience and often require education beyond an associate degree, depending on employer requirements. If this sounds like an interesting career, read further, and learn more about the details, including how to become an operations manager.
What is an Operations Manager?
Operations management is the process of improving productivity, efficiency, and profitability within an organization. An operations manager identifies and eliminates inefficiencies by improving business processes, procedures, and policies. The objective is to create better products, streamline production, increase profits, reduce waste, and increase customer satisfaction. According to author Darren J. Prokop in Transportation Operations Management, this discipline revolves around the “application of purposefully designed processes or systems to better understand or improve specific business activities.” [2]
Many industries rely on the insight and expertise of an operations manager, and they can work in many different sectors, including: retail, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, insurance, finance, construction, and technology. Oftentimes, an operations manager will work in an office environment, but in some industries, they may have to be on-site in the field - as in construction, healthcare, or hospitality. This is usually a full-time position.
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What Does an Operations Manager Do? Duties and Responsibilities
Operations managers often work directly with company stakeholders and executives, and may help oversee different departments, such as supply chain, distribution, or human resources. They are often closely involved with employee onboarding and training, creating new company policies, internal project management, and quality control. They may also help integrate updated technologies into the company workflow, monitor budget performance and planning, and contact suppliers and distributors. The operations manager must have long-term strategic vision while also prioritizing immediate issues.
Their duties may vary by industry, but operations managers often have the following responsibilities:
- Develop and optimize processes. Process optimizing processes to remove bottlenecks and inefficiencies, improve workflows, conform processes to industry standards, may include creating and implementing standard operating procedures.
- Supply chain management. One of the biggest potential sources of inefficiencies, the supply chain is the entire flow of raw materials to production facilities, to distribution. Operations managers coordinate supply chain and inventory management to be cost efficient and maintain supply of materials.
- Inventory management. Operations managers track inventory of raw materials and finished products, maintaining correct supplies of each. They are responsible for warehouse best practices, forecasting, establishing and cultivating vendor and supplier relationships, and ensuring correct inventory levels during fluctuating periods of demand.
- Quality control. Operations managers focus on quality control of products and services, so returns stay low, increasing efficiency and profitability. They collaborate with quality control teams to ensure customer satisfaction rates and product quality stays high.
- Supporting HR initiatives. The operations manager works with the human resources department to make sure there is adequate staffing.
- Interdepartmental collaboration. Work with internal departments to make sure efficiency and productivity is maintained, procedures and policies are enforced, and company goals are met.
- Budget forecasting. Evaluate and forecast future budget needs and stay within the current budget.
- Financial adherence. Controlling operational costs, resource allocations, continuous improvement of efficiency.
- Supplier and vendor relationships.
- Industry analysis. Analyze industry trends and market conditions.
- Risk mitigation. Develop contingency plans and policies that reduce risk to the company.
- Reporting. Create and present detailed reports about productivity and employee performance to senior management so they can make informed decisions.
- Align goals and objectives. Help set organizational goals that support business objectives.
- Internal projects. Lead projects that transform internal processes to improve efficiency and productivity.
Skills and Qualities of an Operations Manager
Operation managers have many responsibilities, working in complex environments. They must have several skills to excel at their jobs, including these:
- Communication. Operations managers communicate and collaborate with internal departments, suppliers, stakeholders, executives, and investors. They must be able to communicate using a variety of methods.
- Leadership. An effective leader makes data-driven decisions that help the company reach its goals while motivating workers to do their best.
- Problem Solving. Operations involves solving difficult problems. The operations manager will use analysis and critical thinking to solve complex problems and implement creative solutions.
- Organization. There are many different moving parts to manage in a large company, so you must stay organized. This allows you to better allocate resources and manage projects, leading to smoother operations.
- Financial Skills. Your business and finance skills will be essential, as you’ll forecast conditions, budget wisely, use resources efficiently, and make sure each team is running smoothly.
- Analytical Thinking. Solving problems requires analytical thinking and being able to break problems down into detailed analysis, so you can make informed decisions.
- Attention to Detail. One of the most important qualities is attention to detail, as you identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in production and logistics. Your job is to increase efficiency, help boost revenue and profit, and eliminate unnecessary risks.
- Proactiveness. Managers focus on continual process improvement, solving problems before they arise.
How Much Can You Earn as an Operations Manager?
According to 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for operations managers was $101,280 per year, with a median hourly wage of $48.69 per hour. The 2023 mean annual salary for operations managers was $129,330 per year, with a mean hourly wage of $62.18. [1] [3] Compensation varies based on industry, employer, geographic location, education, and professional experience. Operations Manager positions typically require several years of related professional experience and often require education beyond an associate degree, depending on employer requirements.
The BLS reported that operations managers working in wholesale, construction, and manufacturing industries earned significantly more than counterparts in other industries. Texas, California, New York, Florida, and Illinois employed more operations managers than any other states in 2023.
How Do You Become an Operations Manager?
There are steps you can take to prepare for a role as an operations manager.
1. Pursue a Degree and Get a Business Education
A degree in business administration can provide foundational knowledge that supports career development in business-related fields, including operations. Business administration programs give you a well-rounded education in many aspects of business such as business management, finance, economics, project management, human resources, information technology, operations, marketing, critical thinking, and business law. This fundamental training is important for understanding how all the moving parts of a business work together in unison, and to make a positive impact in your organization. It may also be extremely advantageous to have a business degree when applying for entry-level business jobs. This foundational education and training will be invaluable as your career progresses, and you get higher level positions with more responsibilities.
2. Get Relevant Experience
Before you land a job as an operations manager, you’ll have to get work experience in related positions. You may start working as a business analyst, logistics support specialist, human resources specialist, supply chain management, or operations associate before applying to become an operations manager. Smaller companies may look for candidates with up to five years of experience; enterprise companies might require up to ten years of experience. Research the companies you want to work for, and learn as much as possible about how systems and processes work inside companies of all sizes.
3. Earning Certifications
Earning a relevant certification can help make you a more qualified candidate for a senior operations management position. Some of the most relevant certifications for this job are the Certified Manager (CM) credential from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) and the Certified Operations Manager certification through the American Institute for Business Management and Communication (AIBMC). These certifications show you have a deep understanding of employee management and leadership.
4. Apply for the Position
You’ve researched the company, prepared your resume, and applied to open positions at companies you select. After completing the interview process, qualified candidates may be considered for operations management positions, depending on employer requirements and experience.
Pursue Your Associates in Business Administration at Campus
If you’re preparing for a career in business, you’ll need a strong educational foundation and relevant experience to pursue opportunities in business-related fields. Campus is offering an Online Degree in Business Administration for eligible students. Designed for future business leaders, Campus is a college built just for you. You’ll learn live from instructors who also teach at top schools like Yale, NYU, Stanford, Howard, and more. For more information about our Business Administration program, start dates, financial aid, and more, contact our Admissions team today.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information about careers, occupations, and educational pathways in business and operations fields. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not designed to describe specific career outcomes for graduates of any Campus program. Employment requirements vary by employer, industry, and location and may include additional education, certifications, training, or professional experience beyond completion of an associate degree.
[1] Note: The data provided in this article is from sources unaffiliated with Campus, and is for informational purposes only and represents the employment field as a whole. They are not solely specific to Campus graduates and, by providing the above information, Campus makes no representation, direct or implied, or opinion regarding employability.
[2] Prokop, Darren J.; Transportation Operations Management, https://shop.elsevier.com/books/transportation-operations-management/prokop/978-0-12-815415-1 , Published by Elsevier, 2022.
[3] Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes111021.htm , Retrieved April 19, 2026.