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What is an internal operations manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Eric Olsen

Internal operations managers are highly skilled professionals that use their leadership skills to ensure the optimal efficiency of their company's operations. Their key job responsibilities include analyzing operations, identifying areas for improvement, developing strategies, and setting guidelines and policies for operational procedures.

Furthermore, an internal operations manager is often in charge of overseeing operations managers, handling departmental budgets, delegating tasks to teams, and spearheading special projects. They may also travel for work to meet with clients and attend business events.

When hiring for this role, companies want individuals with at least a bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, or another business-related field. Apart from that, they want individuals that have extensive experience in operations to ensure that they have adequate experience and skills to lead a whole department. Furthermore, an aspiring internal operations manager must display exemplary capabilities in communication, leadership, strategy, and problem-solving to increase their chances of job placement. The average salary for this position is around $91,000 per year, which makes it one of the most high-paying jobs in an average corporate setting.

What general advice would you give to an internal operations manager?

Eric OlsenEric Olsen LinkedIn profile

Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business

Times of change are also times of great opportunities. We are going to need new technical solutions to address problems we are just learning about. You have to lean into the issues. Don't be a technologist - be a problem solver. That is why we also emphasize soft skills like lean six sigma, teamwork, and change management.
ScoreInternal Operations ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $101,168

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 6.32%

Black or African American 6.13%

Hispanic or Latino 15.02%

Unknown 4.33%

White 67.72%

Gender

female 48.43%

male 51.57%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Internal operations manager career paths

Key steps to become an internal operations manager

  1. Explore internal operations manager education requirements

    Most common internal operations manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.6 %

    Master's

    13.5 %

    Associate

    10.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific internal operations manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Internal Controls13.43%
    Project Management9.73%
    Oversight9.71%
    SOX9.60%
    External Auditors7.20%
  3. Complete relevant internal operations manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New internal operations managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an internal operations manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real internal operations manager resumes.
  4. Research internal operations manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and support ISO training activities, perform internal assessments and manage special projects including identifying profit improvement opportunities.
    • Manage payroll distribution process ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and confidentiality to protect client's privacy and prevent liability of exposure.
    • Coordinate the SOX team's documenting and testing of the key business processes including both information technology application and general controls.
    • Perform Sarbanes-Oxley testing on key controls and processes.
  5. Apply for internal operations manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an internal operations manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first internal operations manager job

Zippi

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Average internal operations manager salary

The average internal operations manager salary in the United States is $101,168 per year or $49 per hour. Internal operations manager salaries range between $71,000 and $142,000 per year.

Average internal operations manager salary
$101,168 Yearly
$48.64 hourly

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How do internal operations managers rate their job?

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Internal operations manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

I love being able to mold my team and the distribution center to the culture of respect and accountability! Having senior and executive leadership support is a huge positive factor in making this happen!!

Cons

Long hours and calls outside of regular business hours are the norm!


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

I love it and I wish I was back at my old job but I guess it is what it is

Cons

Not being loyal


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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