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What is an operations program manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Experts
Eric Olsen,
Dr. Daryl Green
introduction image

As an operations program manager, you will be in an executive position overseeing the project team's work. You will manage the budget, delegate tasks, create a timeline, manage schedules, and evaluate team members' input. You will be responsible for ensuring the work is carried out to the highest quality and operations run smoothly.

You will be the one aware of all the risks and in charge of minimizing the possibility of wasting revenue. You will manage resources and guarantee that all necessary equipment is in place and working conditions are optimal.

You will be expected to guide your people in case of doubt, addressing questions and concerns during regular staff meetings. Mediating between your project team and the client will also be your job, providing regular updates on the progress and ensuring timely delivery.

What general advice would you give to an Operations Program 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.
ScoreOperations Program ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.9

Avg. Salary $111,378

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 6.29%

Black or African American 6.10%

Hispanic or Latino 14.92%

Unknown 4.33%

White 67.89%

Gender

female 35.01%

male 64.99%

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

Operations Program Manager career paths

Key steps to become an operations program manager

  1. Explore operations program manager education requirements

    Most common operations program manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.2 %

    Master's

    17.9 %

    Associate

    9.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific operations program manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management11.89%
    Program Management9.92%
    Continuous Improvement5.26%
    Customer Service4.14%
    Process Improvement3.91%
  3. Complete relevant operations program manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New operations program 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 operations program manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real operations program manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional operations program manager certifications

    Operations program manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific operations program manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for operations program managers include Project Management Professional (PMP) and IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research operations program manager duties and responsibilities

    • Lead company ERP software implementation to automate all the processes.
    • Manage financial reporting, budgeting and ROI analysis.
    • Manage the platform NPI program for the video and analytic products, connecting to the cloud.
    • Achieve reduction of 4 headcounts while expanding scope of service to multiple management groups within the Americas and EMEA.
  6. Prepare your operations program manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your operations program manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an operations program manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Operations Program Manager Resume templates

    Build a professional Operations Program Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Operations Program Manager resume.
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    Operations Program Manager Resume
    Operations Program Manager Resume
    Operations Program Manager Resume
    Operations Program Manager Resume
    Operations Program Manager Resume
    Operations Program Manager Resume
    Operations Program Manager Resume
    Operations Program Manager Resume
  7. Apply for operations program manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an operations program 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 Operations Program Manager Job

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Average operations program manager salary

The average Operations Program Manager salary in the United States is $111,378 per year or $54 per hour. Operations program manager salaries range between $79,000 and $156,000 per year.

Average Operations Program Manager Salary
$111,378 Yearly
$53.55 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do operations program managers rate their job?

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Operations Program Manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.

Cons

Enjoy all aspects.


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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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