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What is a senior operations project manager and how to become one
The senior operations project manager role combines two critical job descriptions--operations manager and project manager. As such, their responsibilities vary depending on the organization's current needs and projects. In general, the job involves managing existing projects, supervising staff, managing clients, and meeting specified targets.
As a senior operations project manager, they can work for organizations in several sectors or as a consultant. Their typical workday is also highly variable. They may manage teams of staff, including cashiers and stock crews, or lead a project team from design to completion.
Senior operations project managers may also act as quality control managers and hire staff to join project teams. These professionals are high-level executives and may report directly to the CEO or other support management personnel.
To become a senior operations project manager, applicants need a degree in business administration, finance, or a related field. Many employers prefer advanced degrees like an MBA. These professionals also need strong organizational and leadership skills.
What general advice would you give to a senior operations project manager?
Eric Olsen
Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business
Avg. Salary $96,413
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%
Asian 6.34%
Black or African American 6.16%
Hispanic or Latino 15.11%
Unknown 4.33%
White 67.58%
Genderfemale 27.73%
male 72.27%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Senior operations project manager career paths
Key steps to become a senior operations project manager
Explore senior operations project manager education requirements
Start to develop specific senior operations project manager skills
Skills Percentages Project Management 24.04% Continuous Improvement 5.89% Project Budget 5.71% Process Improvement 5.05% PMO 4.81% Complete relevant senior operations project manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior operations project 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 senior operations project manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior operations project manager resumes.Gain additional senior operations project manager certifications
More About CertificationsSenior operations project 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 senior operations project manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for senior operations project managers include Project Management Professional (PMP) and Master Project Manager (MPM).
Research senior operations project manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage large-scale implementation projects of logistics software products for key global accounts.
- Manage, monitors and measures project portfolio status, recommending corrective action as necessary and communicate portfolio status to their management.
- Realise a PMO cost savings of 200k.
- Identify specific shipping and logistics requirements to ensure compliance.
Get senior operations project manager experience
Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a senior operations project manager. The most common roles before becoming a senior operations project manager include project manager, senior project manager team lead and information technology project manager.Prepare your senior operations project manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior operations project 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 a senior operations project manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
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Apply for senior operations project manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a senior operations project manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first senior operations project manager job
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Average senior operations project manager salary
The average senior operations project manager salary in the United States is $96,413 per year or $46 per hour. Senior operations project manager salaries range between $71,000 and $129,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do senior operations project managers rate their job?
Senior operations project manager reviews
Zero work life balance and very high project stress
I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project
Strict deadlines, and stakeholders. Feeling undervalued or underappreciated.
keeping the company vibrant in the marketplace and returning maximum shareholder value
have to change my mindset
Updated January 8, 2025
