How long does it take to become a business operations manager?

It takes 7 to 9 years to become an operations manager. Most operations managers have completed an undergraduate degree and have at least 3 to 5 years of experience. The pathway to becoming an operations manager typically involves a combination of education, certification (sometimes), and experience on the job. Common degrees earned by operations managers. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Bachelor of Science in Operations Management or Bachelor of Arts in Operations Management Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Operations Management Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management Bachelor of Science in Operations and Supply Chain Management Bachelor of Arts in Operations Management Analysis Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Management Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Operations Bachelor of Business Administration in Operations and Information Management As you can see, there's no one must-have degree for operations managers. Experience tends to matter more than the highest level of education in this role. However, earning an advanced degree certainly can't hurt, especially if your goal is to become an operations manager or chief operations officer. After graduation, consider completing a graduate certificate that focuses on either supply chain management or operations. Some operations managers even get their Master of Business Administration (MBA), but it's not required. Finally, try to gain as much experience in business as you can. First-hand experience is worth its weight in gold. There are many moving parts of a business, and each business is like a snowflake. That's not something you can learn in a book. To be an operations manager requires getting your hands dirty.

How much should an operations manager be paid?

An operations manager should be paid $85,660 or higher. However, differences in pay rates can range from as high as $180,000 to as low as $50,000. The big discrepancy in salaries results from the differences in the operations manager's type of role from one industry to another. For example, in non-manufacturing environments, operations managers may spend most of their time dealing with staffing issues and developing company policies meant to reduce costs. Conversely, operations managers who work in compliance and take responsibility for staff and end-product safety, such as manufacturing, scientific research, or tech, typically get paid more. Industries pay operations managers the most. Central banks and other monetary authorities Finance and investing Scientific research Communications equipment manufacturing Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing Business Computer systems design

What should an operations manager do?

Operations managers should oversee their organization's production of goods and services (e.g., purchasing, warehousing, and manufacturing). An operation manager must make sure that their company's operations run smoothly and effectively. Operations Manager Responsibilities: Provide inspired leadership for the organization. Make important policy, planning, and strategy decisions. Develop, implement, and review operational policies and procedures. Assist HR with recruiting when necessary. Help promote a company culture that encourages top performance and high morale. Oversee budgeting, reporting, planning, and auditing. Work with senior stakeholders. Ensure all legal and regulatory documents are filed and monitor compliance with laws and regulations. Work with the board of directors to determine values and mission, and plan for short and long-term goals. Identify and address problems and opportunities for the company. Build alliances and partnerships with other organizations. Support worker communication with the management team. However, different skills are needed depending on the kind of industry an operations manager wants to specialize in. For example, IT operations manager Business operations manager Manufacturing operations manager Restaurant operations manager Healthcare operations manager Hospital operations manager Medical affairs operations manager Field operations manager Construction operations manager Finance operations manager Nonprofit operations manager Supply chain operations manager Fitness center operations manager Energy operations manager Laboratory operations manager

How to Become An Operations Manager in 2022: Step by Step Guide And Career Paths

As an operations manager, you have a lot of responsibilities. You may need to oversee several departments, coordinate operations in public or private organizations, but the big takeaway here is that you're in charge.

The job entails so much more than just being in charge, you'll be formulating policies, staying on top of daily operations, and figuring out how to use certain materials and resources. Before you stress out, you will probably have supervisors who will help oversee each section. Deep breaths.

Since you're essentially making sure everything consistently runs smoothly, you'll probably grow accustomed to working overtime hours. Then again, once you're running a well-oiled machine (or team), you can kiss that stress goodbye.

Although education and training requirements vary widely by position and industry, many top executives have at least a bachelor’s degree and a considerable amount of work experience.

Education

Many top executives have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration or in an area related to their field of work. Top executives in the public sector often have a degree in business administration, public administration, law, or the liberal arts. Top executives of large corporations often have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).

College presidents and school superintendents are typically required to have a master’s degree, although a doctorate is often preferred.

Although many mayors, governors, or other public sector executives have at least a bachelor’s degree, these positions typically do not have any specific education requirements.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Many top executives advance within their own firm, moving up from lower level managerial or supervisory positions. However, other companies may prefer to hire qualified candidates from outside their organization. Top executives who are promoted from lower level positions may be able to substitute experience for education to move up in the company. For example, in industries such as retail trade or transportation, workers without a college degree may work their way up to higher levels within the company to become executives or general managers.

Chief executives typically need extensive managerial experience. Executives are also expected to have experience in the organization’s area of specialty. Most general and operations managers hired from outside an organization need lower level supervisory or management experience in a related field.

Some general managers advance to higher level managerial or executive positions. Company training programs, executive development programs, and certification can often benefit managers or executives hoping to advance.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Top executives must be able to communicate clearly and persuasively. They must effectively discuss issues and negotiate with others, direct subordinates, and explain their policies and decisions to those within and outside the organization.

Decisionmaking skills. Top executives need decisionmaking skills when setting policies and managing an organization. They must assess different options and choose the best course of action, often daily.

Leadership skills. Top executives must be able to lead an organization successfully by coordinating policies, people, and resources.

Management skills. Top executives must shape and direct the operations of an organization. For example, they must manage business plans, employees, and budgets.

Problem-solving skills. Top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization. They must be able to recognize shortcomings and effectively carry out solutions.

Time-management skills. Top executives do many tasks at the same time, typically under their own direction, to ensure that their work gets done and that they meet their goals.


Janice Kennedy Operations Manager Contact Information Memphis, TN (850) 555-9226 jkennedy@example.com Skills Sales Floor Logistics Store Management Loss Prevention New Processes Telephone Calls Database GSR Special Projects Procedures


Employment History Operations Manager2016 - Present FedEx Memphis, TN Air & Ground Freight Services Division flight operations manager. Direct reports included seven managers with nine groups and comprised 280 hourly employees. Ensured the maintenance of fiscal reporting procedures within center, including accounts receivable, inventory reports, and daily sales recaps. Executive Assistant2014 - 2016 Aerotek Saint Louis, MO Maintained electronic database for all client and vendor contacts. Filed, copied, scanned, faxed, mailed and retrieved confidential documents. Coordinate schedules & travel arrangements for all business meetings, retreats and conferences for corporate executives. Administrative Assistant2006 - 2014 Aerotek Saint Louis, MO SOP Regulated GLP Compliance OSHA and Right to Know Training GC-MS Training Handled office communication, maintained staff schedules, continuously updated personnel files and coordinated meeting logistics and preparation. Received telephone calls and greeted visitors to determine the nature of the calls or visits. Keep database up to date. Guest Service Representative2005 - 2006 Speedway Oakbrook Terrace, IL Helped customers, operated a cash register, prepared coffee, prepared sandwiches, organized shelves and sales floor Provided customer service in a professional manner. Worked at the guest service counter and addressed customer questions - Operated cash register to complete customer purchases School/Extracurricular Handled the interviewing, training, supervising and evaluation of performance for guest service staff and volunteers. Education Associate's Degree Health Care Administration2003 - 2005 DeVry University Oakbrook Terrace, IL


Jane Murphy Operations Manager Contact Info Chester, VA (380) 555-1918 jmurphy@example.com Skills Project Management Communication Oversight Company Standards Internal Communications Executive Management Company Policies C-Level Company Website Stock Room Employment History Operations Manager2011 - Present AmazonChester, VA Spearheaded relocation of company to state-of-the-art facility without customer order interruptions. Led Kaizen project streamlining and reducing the need for manual sortation in our packing operation. Created startup process that was adopted for opening of second facility; trained managers for that location. Developed technical support solutions for system sparing, technical manuals, trouble shooting and repair procedures for systems fielded. Assistant Manager2009 - 2011 SonicFort Worth, TX Created a fun, high spirited environment through my outgoing personality, communication, and sense of humor. Cross trained and provided backup for other customer service representative when needed. Process all New hire paperwork. Lead team in retail sales. Adhere to all company policies, procedures and practices including signing, pricing and loss prevention. Executive Assistant2007 - 2009 VerizonNew York, NY Coordinated corporate meetings, luncheons, and special events. Handled, processed and distributed confidential information. Schedule and coordinate meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for executives and direct reports. Assisted with and compiled Monthly Power Point presentations, Organizational Charts, Finance Operations Calendars, and Close Call materials. Marketing Assistant2005 - 2007 The Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs CoalitionPhiladelphia, PA Update of customer database, participation in the communication campaigns, preparation of seminars, and customer service for satisfaction surveys. Researched, Created and Maintained Online Marketing Campaigns. Education Bachelor's Degree Marketing2002 - 2005 Temple UniversityPhiladelphia, PA


Albert Stevens Operations Manager Quantico, VA (840) 555-5990 astevens@example.com Experience Operations Manager2016 - Present United States Marine•Quantico, VA Participated in continuous improvement activities as part of the site management team and ensured company policies are followed. Created disclosures used in financial statements for new pronouncements and accounting changes. Conducted site visits ensuring facility compliance, quality standards, and excellent patient satisfaction. Created and updated job descriptions and interview questionnaires. Served as the focal point for customer logistics needs, especially spares and provisioning. Consultant2015 - 2016 HighPoint Solutions•Malvern, PA Review and edit student loan applications for company regulations. Serve as senior technical advisor for COOP and emergency management for the nation-wide Army Materiel Command. Help develop new ideas to insure quality and compliance regulations have been met while maintaining the absolute highest customer service standards. Created Internet presence-website and social media (http://highpeaksalliance1.wordpress.com/). Project Management Activities- Billing Sheet; Effort Estimation; Test Plan; Test Strategy Test Automation using QTP. Controller2012 - 2015 Siemens•Malvern, PA Led Special Projects (Business Case, Due Diligence, Inventory Analysis). Maintained and developed accounting policies and procedures for the US Industry Sector in accordance with Siemens guidelines (IFRS/GAAP). Prepare annual footnotes for Audited Financial statements. Head up annual audit with outside CPA firm. Staff Accountant2011 - 2012 Ernst & Young•Washington, DC Completed daily bank deposits Responsible for weekly and quarterly inventory Supervised/scheduled over 10 front-end associates Professionally handled customer complaints and calls Reported semi-monthly payroll for 6,500 employees, stock option transactions, and corporate credit card reconciliations and related journal entries. Skills ProceduresIncomeAudit EngagementsBudget PreparationBusiness OperationsSpecial ProjectsWeb ServicesJCLData EntryFinancial Statements Education Bachelor's Degree Business2008 - 2011 Colorado Technical University•Colorado Springs, CO

How Do Operations Manager Rate Their Jobs?

5.0

Dream Job! • September 2019

What do you like the most about working as Operations Manager?

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!! Show More

What do you NOT like?

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

Area operation manager • March 2019

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

Not being loyal Show More

Rank	Company	Zippia Score	Average Operations Manager Salary
1	1.Walmart	4.8	$118,946
2	2.Lowe's	4.8	$112,078
3	3.Office Depot	4.5	$111,637
4	4.Best Buy	4.8	$110,860
5	5.Kmart	4.8	$108,486
6	6.The Home Depot	4.8	$105,089

How to Become an Operations Manager

What is an Operations Manager

What Does an Operations Manager Do