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What is an operations research manager and how to become one

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

An operations research manager is responsible for the management and the supervision of all the activities involved in a research work environment. You have to manage a team to gather and analyze data to provide solutions for business problems. Apart from this, you will act as an advisor, consultant, quality control reviewer, and project manager for various research projects. You are to supervise data collection and analysis as well as direct the everyday activities of your team. Also, you are responsible for the progress reports continually for ongoing projects. An operations research manager implements and maintains the prioritization of tasks involved in a research project.

Educationally, a degree in industrial technology, engineering, business administration, or any other related course is required for this role. Work experience in a similar role is also vital. You must possess good leadership, organizational, communication, presentation, management, and problem-solving skills. An operation research manager earns an average annual salary of $74,473.

What general advice would you give to an operations research 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 Research ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.8

Avg. Salary $74,064

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 6.41%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 15.37%

Unknown 4.34%

White 67.17%

Gender

female 41.67%

male 58.33%

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

Key steps to become an operations research manager

  1. Explore operations research manager education requirements

    Most common operations research manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.3 %

    Master's

    18.1 %

    Associate

    8.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific operations research manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Research Operations13.07%
    Research Projects9.79%
    Project Management8.97%
    Clinical Trials7.93%
    Oversight6.98%
  3. Complete relevant operations research manager training and internships

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

    • Finance and billing accountability across Medicaid, manage care commercial insurance, insurance verification, contract management, and benefits administration.
    • Assist in report preparation for IRB, CTRC, and other regulatory agencies and/or committees.7.
    • Reorganize clinical research program, develop new process and procedure guidelines to provide optimal patient care and compliance with FDA standards.
    • Assist in the preparation of IRB applications and regular correspondence with IRB regarding adverse events, annual renewals and protocol amendments.
  5. Apply for operations research manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an operations research 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 research manager job

Zippi

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Average operations research manager salary

The average operations research manager salary in the United States is $74,064 per year or $36 per hour. Operations research manager salaries range between $41,000 and $132,000 per year.

Average operations research manager salary
$74,064 Yearly
$35.61 hourly

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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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