Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is a senior program operations manager and how to become one
The senior program operations manager is responsible for the management of specific programs and projects within the organization. Their main objective is to ensure that projects are completed on time, stay within budget, and meet all of the customer's requirements. Some senior program operations managers may also help manage other program workers and establish standard operating procedures to help control any risks associated with the programs.
The key tasks that they perform within this capacity include, but are not limited to, developing, implementing, and managing strategic project plan and budget, planning and leading internal and external organizational meetings, collaborating with corporate leaders and stakeholders, and coordinating and assessing cross-departmental teams. Essential skills needed for this position include leadership, management, interpersonal, attention to detail, and communication. A senior position such as this one requires at least a bachelor's degree and five years of work experience in a related field. However, individuals with a master's degree or other higher credentials may be given preference.
The average hourly salary for the position is $63.47, which amounts to $132,016 annually. Moreover, the career is expected to grow in the near future, resulting in new opportunities emerging all over the United States.
What general advice would you give to a senior program operations manager?
Eric Olsen
Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business
Avg. Salary $120,350
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%
Asian 6.36%
Black or African American 6.17%
Hispanic or Latino 15.16%
Unknown 4.34%
White 67.50%
Genderfemale 28.26%
male 71.74%
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 program operations manager career paths
Key steps to become a senior program operations manager
Explore senior program operations manager education requirements
Start to develop specific senior program operations manager skills
Skills Percentages Metrics 12.02% Project Management 11.12% Program Management 9.25% Continuous Improvement 6.50% SR 6.03% Complete relevant senior program operations manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior program 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 senior program operations manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior program operations manager resumes.Gain additional senior program operations manager certifications
More About CertificationsSenior program 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 senior program operations manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for senior program operations managers include Project Management Professional (PMP) and Six Sigma Green Belt.
Research senior program operations manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage payroll distribution process ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and confidentiality to protect client's privacy and prevent liability of exposure.
- Develop tools, policies, procedures for the PMO.
- Own PMO and change management responsibly throughout project lifecycles.
- Manage payroll distribution process ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and confidentiality to protect client's privacy and prevent liability of exposure.
Get senior program operations manager experience
Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a senior program operations manager. The most common roles before becoming a senior program operations manager include senior project manager, program manager team lead and project manager.Prepare your senior program operations manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior program operations 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 program operations 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 senior program operations manager resume templates
Build a professional senior program operations 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 senior program operations manager resume.
Apply for senior program operations manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a senior program operations 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 program operations manager job
Are you a senior program operations manager?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average senior program operations manager salary
The average senior program operations manager salary in the United States is $120,350 per year or $58 per hour. Senior program operations manager salaries range between $90,000 and $160,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do senior program operations managers rate their job?
Senior program operations manager reviews
Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.
Enjoy all aspects.
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!!
Long hours and calls outside of regular business hours are the norm!
I love it and I wish I was back at my old job but I guess it is what it is
Not being loyal
Updated January 8, 2025
