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What is a plans and operations manager and how to become one

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

Operations managers are a vital part of a management team. They supervise high-level human resources duties. They are also called or referred to as chief operating officers (COO). As an operating manager, you are to oversee the running of the main business of the organization to ensure smooth operations. Making important plans, policies, and strategic decisions is a part of your duties. You must help to promote an organizational culture that aids high morale and top performance. As an operations manager, you have to supervise auditing, planning, budgeting, and reporting. Further, you must develop partnerships and alliances with other companies.

To be an operations manager, you must hold at least a bachelor's degree in management, accounting, or business. Your organizational and leadership skills must also be very excellent as these traits will help you to bring success to the organization. You will earn an average salary of $77,288 in a year.

What general advice would you give to a plans and 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.
ScorePlans And Operations ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.2

Avg. Salary $91,694

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 6.30%

Black or African American 6.11%

Hispanic or Latino 14.95%

Unknown 4.33%

White 67.83%

Gender

female 28.62%

male 71.38%

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

Plans and operations manager career paths

Key steps to become a plans and operations manager

  1. Explore plans and operations manager education requirements

    Most common plans and operations manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.0 %

    Master's

    19.0 %

    Associate

    11.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific plans and operations manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service15.54%
    Project Management11.18%
    Employee Development9.31%
    Customer Satisfaction8.33%
    Direct Reports5.99%
  3. Complete relevant plans and operations manager training and internships

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

    Plans and operations 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 plans and operations manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for plans and operations managers include Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Six Sigma Green Belt.

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

    • Manage all incoming orders via ERP system, e-mail and phone.
    • Switch company to a new WFM platform, achieve an ROI of $500K within 8 months.
    • Coordinate the service design phase, manage the RFP process, develop the business justification and obtain executive approval.
    • Design and manage the organization s planning team collaborative SharePoint portal enhancing information flow, and security of classify information.
  6. Apply for plans and operations manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a plans and 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 plans and operations manager job

Zippi

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Average plans and operations manager salary

The average plans and operations manager salary in the United States is $91,694 per year or $44 per hour. Plans and operations manager salaries range between $65,000 and $128,000 per year.

Average plans and operations manager salary
$91,694 Yearly
$44.08 hourly

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How do plans and operations managers rate their job?

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Plans and 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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