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Senior program operations manager vs lead program manager

The differences between senior program operations managers and lead program managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a senior program operations manager has an average salary of $120,350, which is higher than the $119,480 average annual salary of a lead program manager.

The top three skills for a senior program operations manager include metrics, project management and program management. The most important skills for a lead program manager are project management, program management, and portfolio.

Senior program operations manager vs lead program manager overview

Senior Program Operations ManagerLead Program Manager
Yearly salary$120,350$119,480
Hourly rate$57.86$57.44
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs317,536200,688
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4447
Years of experience6-

What does a senior program operations manager do?

A senior operations manager is responsible for managing and overseeing a few high-level duties related to human resources (HR). Your duties typically include analyzing and improving organizational processes, working to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality, and providing leadership to overall staff. Additionally, you will be responsible for assisting HR with hiring when needed, promoting a company culture that encourages high morale and top performance, and overseeing the planning, auditing, and budgeting activities. As a senior operations manager, you are also expected to work closely with the board of directors to plan for short- and long-term goals.

What does a lead program manager do?

A lead program manager is responsible for coordinating departmental projects and ensuring that the programs adhere to the business guidelines and functions to achieve long-term goals and objectives. Lead program managers strategize techniques in developing business plans and managing budget allocation across departments. They also coordinate with clients for progress updates and modify program plans as needed. A lead program manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to finalize program outputs and assist the team in resolving project issues and delays.

Senior program operations manager vs lead program manager salary

Senior program operations managers and lead program managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Senior Program Operations ManagerLead Program Manager
Average salary$120,350$119,480
Salary rangeBetween $90,000 And $160,000Between $89,000 And $158,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateWashingtonRhode Island
Best paying companyRivianAirbnb
Best paying industryHealth CareTechnology

Differences between senior program operations manager and lead program manager education

There are a few differences between a senior program operations manager and a lead program manager in terms of educational background:

Senior Program Operations ManagerLead Program Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Senior program operations manager vs lead program manager demographics

Here are the differences between senior program operations managers' and lead program managers' demographics:

Senior Program Operations ManagerLead Program Manager
Average age4447
Gender ratioMale, 71.7% Female, 28.3%Male, 63.7% Female, 36.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 6.4% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 9.1% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between senior program operations manager and lead program manager duties and responsibilities

Senior program operations manager example 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.
  • Direct enhancement to incorporate MERS approval and notification for all litigation documents, to include requirements and UAT.

Lead program manager example responsibilities.

  • Track and manage SE data, team SharePoint site, status reports and worldwide communications including upper management.
  • Manage implementation of referrals, coordinate assignment of new physicians and create support network for transitioning patients during clinic closure.
  • Evaluate and report on KPIs to measure program effectiveness and value.
  • Recognize as financial systems subject matter expert for key elements of the CRM initiative.
  • Develop a short-term roadmap to the platform eventually being a full on cloud solution.
  • Work with PMO, business stake holders for matrix reporting, issue/risk identification and mitigation.
  • Show more

Senior program operations manager vs lead program manager skills

Common senior program operations manager skills
  • Metrics, 12%
  • Project Management, 11%
  • Program Management, 9%
  • Continuous Improvement, 6%
  • SR, 6%
  • Logistics, 4%
Common lead program manager skills
  • Project Management, 11%
  • Program Management, 10%
  • Portfolio, 6%
  • Infrastructure, 5%
  • Lifecycle Management, 4%
  • Continuous Improvement, 4%

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