If you possess a talent for coordinating processes, demonstrate strong organizational skills, excel in optimizing resources and have a keen ability for overseeing multiple projects, you may have a future in the operations manager career.
If you possess a talent for coordinating processes, demonstrate strong organizational skills, excel in optimizing resources and have a keen ability for overseeing multiple projects, you may have a future in the operations manager career.
Operations managers are responsible for ensuring that various departments within an organization 鈥 including companies, government agencies and non-profits 鈥 function efficiently and cohesively. They streamline processes, manage day-to-day activities and implement strategic initiatives to enhance productivity and profitability. By overseeing supply chain operations, coordinating logistics and optimizing workflow, they help maintain the smooth operation of an organization. Additionally, operations managers monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), manage budgets and work closely with team leaders to resolve problems and drive continuous improvement. Their work is pivotal in aligning operational practices with the goals and objectives of an organization 鈥 whether it be a company, city, county or non-profit 鈥攖o provide tangible business value.
There were in the national workforce in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Operations managers are needed in both the public and private sectors. As an operations manager, you can work across industries including employment placement agencies; retailers, especially in cosmetics and beauty supplies; couriers and delivery services; colleges, universities and professional schools and more.聽
The job outlook for operations managers is promising, with steady growth projected in various industries. The demand for operations managers is driven by the growing need for organizations to enhance operational efficiency and manage complex operations in an increasingly competitive market. As institutions continue to evolve and expand, the expertise of operations managers in streamlining logistics, optimizing resource allocation and implementing innovative processes will be crucial for ensuring success and sustainability.
$65 - 160K
General and operations managers, including business managers, within the 25th and 75th percentiles earned , according to BLS nationwide statistics.[1]
210,400 jobs
Job opportunities for general and operations managers, including business managers, are between 2023 and 2033, BLS reports.[1]
Bachelor's degree
Business manager
Supply chain manager
Logistics manager
Production manager
Project manager
[1] The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of 爱污传媒. The salary ranges, job opportunities and outcomes presented represent the larger job category, which includes the particular job title. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. 爱污传媒 does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.聽The BLS Projected Growth for 2023-2033 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS鈥 projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to 爱污传媒 students or graduates.
Being an operations manager comes with its fair share of challenges that require adaptability and strategic thinking. One main challenge is juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously, as operations managers often oversee several departments and projects at once. This role demands exceptional time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Another significant challenge is maintaining clear communication across various teams and departments, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives. Operations managers also face the pressure of meeting performance targets and staying within budget, which requires a delicate balance between cost-efficiency and quality assurance. Additionally, navigating the fast pace of technological advancements and industry changes means that operations managers must continuously stay informed and adapt processes accordingly to maintain a competitive edge, while preparing employees for such shifts.
While challenges are an inherent part of the role, there are numerous advantages that come with being an operations manager. One of the primary advantages of being an operations manager is the opportunity to play a crucial role in shaping the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization. Being an operations manager can be a fulfilling position as you recognize that your strategic decisions can directly influence productivity, profitability and overall business growth. This role often involves solving complex problems, which can be intellectually rewarding for individuals who thrive on challenges and innovation. Additionally, operations managers typically enjoy a diverse work environment, engaging with various departments and gaining insights into different areas of the business. This exposure provides a valuable breadth of experience and knowledge, making operations managers vital assets to their companies. Furthermore, due to the critical nature of their work, operations managers often command competitive salaries and benefit from stable career prospects due to possessing skills highly sought-after across industries.
$65 - 160K
$65K聽 聽聽
$160K聽 聽聽
General and operations managers, including business managers, within the 25th and 75th percentiles earned , according to BLS nationwide statistics.[1]
210,400 jobs
Job opportunities for general and operations managers, including business managers, are between 2023 and 2033, BLS reports.[1]
Bachelor's degree
Business manager
Supply chain manager
Logistics manager
Production manager
Project manager
[1]聽The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of 爱污传媒. The salary ranges, job opportunities and outcomes presented represent the larger job category, which includes the particular job title. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. 爱污传媒 does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website. The BLS Projected Growth for 2023-2033 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS鈥 projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to 爱污传媒 students or graduates.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor that serves as part of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. Find out more:
In today's competitive job market, possessing the career-relevant skills can help you set yourself apart. For operations manager roles, employers seek candidates who not only exhibit expertise in process management and strategic planning but also bring a diverse set of complementary skills that enhance organizational efficiency and growth. These are top skills currently sought for in candidates for operations manager roles:听
Soft skills are interpersonal and personal attributes that enable individuals to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. Key soft skills essential for operations managers include leadership, effective communication, problem-solving and coaching.
If a career as an operations manager seems like a suitable fit, there are academic milestones, credentials and practical experiences that can set you on the right track. Here are some key steps you can take as you embark on your journey towards becoming an operations manager:
Typically, operations managers hold at least a bachelor's degree in business administration, management, logistics or a related field. This foundational education provides essential knowledge in business principles, financial management and organizational behavior, which are critical for understanding the complexities of operations management.
Start by working in entry-level positions within operations or allied departments, where you can learn the intricacies of supply chain management, process optimization and team coordination. As you gain experience, take on roles with increasing responsibility to hone your strategic planning and decision-making capabilities.
Focus on building a well-rounded skill set that includes both technical and soft skills. Proficiency in process management, continuous improvement and project management is key, while strong leadership, communication and problem-solving abilities will help you effectively manage teams and drive organizational change.聽
Achieving your initial career objectives often marks the beginning of a thrilling professional path. As an aspiring operations manager, committing to continuous education is essential to expand your expertise and abilities, equipping you for new and fulfilling opportunities that may lie ahead.
Once you've gained experience as an operations manager, you may feel ready for your next career step. Operations managers can move up the ranks to take on senior titles, such as director of operations or chief operating officer (COO). You could also transition into consulting, entrepreneurship or specialized fields, such as supply chain management and quality assurance, leveraging expertise in process optimization and strategic planning to explore new career possibilities and achieve professional growth.
Here are some tips for advancing within the operations management career path:
Meet Judith F., an alum whose unwavering curiosity led her back to school as a single mother of two. Her higher education helped to prepare her for her current role as a High Touch Operations Manager at a global tech company, where she inspires others with her innovative problem-solving skills.
Judith F. |聽BSB 2016 | MSIOP 2019 | Future DM
Meet Judith F., an alum whose unwavering curiosity led her back to school as a single mother of two. Her higher education helped to prepare her for her current role as a High Touch Operations Manager at a global tech company, where she inspires others with her innovative problem-solving skills.
At 爱污传媒, we offer several undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs that align to the operations manager career outcome. Our flexible approach to learning means you can integrate higher education into your life, advancing one course at a time every five to six weeks. Explore our offerings to find out which program is right for you.聽
The Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB)聽undergraduate degree program is designed to prepare graduates with the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively apply various business principles and tools in an organizational setting. The BSB foundation is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practical application, while examining the areas of accounting, communications, diversity and inclusion, economics, finance, business law and ethics, management, marketing, organizational behavior, business analytics and information systems.
In this program, you鈥檒l learn how to:听
To earn this degree, you will be required to complete 120 credits through courses in general education, core topics and elective subjects. The length of this program is 47 months, and each course is five weeks long.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) has accredited the following programs offered by the College of Business and Information Technology or the College of Doctoral Studies.聽
[1] These programs are not available for new enrollments.
For additional information, visit .听听
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)聽
8101 College Blvd #100
Overland Park, KS 66210
The Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM)聽degree program is designed to develop the professional knowledge and skills of cross-functional managers in an organization. The BSM degree enhances skills necessary for improved organizational effectiveness in a dynamic and evolving workplace. The program focuses on the development of management roles and emphasizes skills necessary to align resources, and to improve communication, productivity and effectiveness.
In this program, you鈥檒l learn how to:听
To earn this degree, you will be required to complete 120 credits through courses in general education, core topics and elective subjects. The length of this program is 47 months, and each course is five weeks long.
The Bachelor of Science in Public Administration program provides students with skills related to communication, ethics, civic leadership, law and policy, research and planning, public finance and budgeting, public programs and human resources to positively impact communities. This program is a suitable option for individuals looking to prepare for careers in government at the federal, state and local levels or nonprofit entities.
In this program, you鈥檒l learn how to:听
To earn this degree, you will be required to complete 120 credits through courses in general education, core topics and elective subjects. The length of this program is 47 months, and each course is five weeks long.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA)聽program prepares students in the functional areas of business allowing them to develop managerial skills necessary to be effective in a rapidly changing business environment. The program is designed for students with an interest in entering or advancing their careers in business and reflects current research of leadership competencies, as well as graduate business standards as reflected by existing international accreditation agencies.
In this program, you鈥檒l learn how to:听
To earn this degree, you will need to complete 33 credits through 11 core courses. This program is 16 months long. Each course is six weeks in length.聽
We also offer a Master of Business Administration Competency-based program. It is important to note that competency-based programs are not the right fit for every student. If you learn well in a structured learning environment with regular instruction, the traditional MBA may be a better option for you.聽The MBA competency-based program is best for students who prefer to work independently 鈥 with faculty guidance 鈥 and manage their time effectively, while saving time and money on their degree. The length of this program is less than 12 months. Learn more about our competency-based programs.
The Master of Management聽degree program promotes the development of management competencies through the practical application of theory, business and management diagnostics and the formulation of creative management and consulting solutions. Students will acquire a wide range of tools, concepts and methodologies to design, conduct and follow through on successful leadership and entrepreneurship practices. In addition, students will be able to actively develop their interpersonal and business-related management skills in order to foster leadership, creative thinking, collegiality and teamwork ability in an international context. The Master of Management will provide students with firsthand knowledge of the tools and techniques used by successful consultants in the competitive leadership, entrepreneurship and management industry.
In this program, you鈥檒l learn how to:听
To earn this degree, you will need to complete 33 credits through 11 core courses. The length of this program is 16 months. Each course is six weeks in length.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) has accredited the following programs offered by the College of Business and Information Technology or the College of Doctoral Studies.聽
[2] These programs are not available for new enrollments.
For additional information, visit .听听
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)聽
8101 College Blvd #100
Overland Park, KS 66210
The Small Business and Entrepreneurship certificate聽provides students with the skills necessary to establish and operate a small business or entrepreneurial enterprise through the successful management of planning, marketing, financial management and integrated business operations. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to examine small business marketing opportunities, identify innovative small business strategies, evaluate financial management decisions and address the challenges and opportunities specific to small business management and entrepreneurship.
In this program, you鈥檒l learn how to:听
This certificate requires you to complete 18 credits and is seven months long. Each course is five weeks in length.
The Certificate in Leadership and Management program聽is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to effectively lead others within a variety of organizational settings and situations. The program includes content related to organizational leadership, business strategy development, decision making, change management, effective communication, performance improvement and entrepreneurship.
In this program, you鈥檒l learn how to:听
This certificate requires you to complete 18 credits and is seven months long. Each course is five weeks in length.
The Management certificate emphasizes managing human and fiscal resources within the structure, culture, and missions of any organization. The program provides students with the opportunity to examine the areas of innovation in business, human resource management, change management, organizational negotiations, and strategic management. Students will integrate advanced topics in management through real-world business application.
In this program, you鈥檒l learn how to:听
This certificate requires you to complete 18 credits and is seven months long. Each course is five weeks in length.
If you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business, you can also earn associate degrees and certificates along the way:
Students may find this option worthwhile as it can prepare you for career opportunities aligned with both the chosen program and the Bachelor of Science in Business degree.
Additionally, if you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business, Bachelor of Science in Management or Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, you can also get a head start on a graduate-level education. While completing a BSB or BSM, you have the option to take three graduate-level courses from our聽Master of Business Administration听辞谤听Master of Management聽programs to count as elective credit towards your master鈥檚 degree.聽
Students earning a BSPA may also take up to three select master鈥檚 courses to earn credit towards a Master of Public Administration as an undergraduate.
Graduate students earning a Master of Business Administration or Master of Management degree can continue to level up by substituting up to three graduate-level courses with specific doctoral-level courses to apply to a doctoral degree.聽
Students and graduates can access our Career Navigator tools, which can help you evaluate career options, track career-relevant skills and discover job postings suited to your needs. From resum茅 building and interview preparation to networking and mentorship, 爱污传媒 offers career services for life to all students and graduates. Dive deeper into our聽career services, resources and tools to find out how we can help you reach your goals.